Lamar Lundy facts for kids
Lundy receives 1956 Purdue MVP award
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| No. 85 | |||||||||
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| Position: | Defensive end | ||||||||
| Personal information | |||||||||
| Born: | April 17, 1935 Richmond, Indiana, U.S. |
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| Died: | February 24, 2007 (aged 71) Richmond, Indiana, U.S. |
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| Height: | 6 ft 7 in (2.01 m) | ||||||||
| Weight: | 245 lb (111 kg) | ||||||||
| Career information | |||||||||
| College: | Purdue | ||||||||
| NFL Draft: | 1957 / Round: 4 / Pick: 47 | ||||||||
| Career history | |||||||||
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| Career highlights and awards | |||||||||
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| Career NFL statistics | |||||||||
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| Player stats at PFR | |||||||||
Lamar J. Lundy, Jr. (born April 17, 1935 – died February 24, 2007) was an amazing American football player. He was a defensive end for the Los Angeles Rams in the National Football League (NFL). Lundy played for 13 seasons, from 1957 to 1969. He was a key member of the famous "Fearsome Foursome." This group is often called one of the best defensive lines in NFL history. The other members were Deacon Jones, Merlin Olsen, and Rosey Grier. Interestingly, all four players also tried acting! Lamar Lundy even played a cyclops in a TV show pilot.
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Lamar Lundy's Early Life and College Sports
Lamar Lundy was born in Richmond, Indiana. He went to Richmond High School. Lamar was a fantastic athlete in two sports: basketball and football. In basketball, he helped his team reach the State Finals. He was chosen for the Indiana All-Star team. In football, he was an All-State player.
After high school, Lamar chose to attend Purdue University. He made history there as the first Black student to get a football scholarship. In his senior year, he was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) for both the football and basketball teams. He was a strong player in both sports.
Lundy was drafted by both the NFL and the NBA. He decided to play football professionally.
A Pro Football Star
Lamar Lundy joined the Los Angeles Rams in 1957. He wore jersey number 85. Early in his career, the Rams sometimes used him as an offensive receiver. He caught 35 passes for 584 yards and scored 6 touchdowns. He also scored 3 touchdowns by returning interceptions. These were the only three interceptions of his NFL career!
Lundy was a powerful defensive end. He played a big role in stopping opposing teams. His height, at 6 feet 7 inches, made him a tough player to get past.
The Fearsome Foursome
Lamar Lundy was part of a legendary group called the "Fearsome Foursome." This defensive line included Lundy, Deacon Jones, Merlin Olsen, and Rosey Grier. They were known for being incredibly strong and hard to block. They caused a lot of trouble for opposing quarterbacks and running backs. Many people still consider them one of the greatest defensive lines ever in football.
Life After Football
After he stopped playing, Lamar Lundy became an assistant coach. He coached for the San Diego Chargers. However, he had to stop coaching due to health issues.
Lundy passed away on February 24, 2007, at the age of 71. He was the first member of the Fearsome Foursome to pass away. Lamar Lundy battled various health issues throughout his life. He is remembered by his two sons, two daughters, and many grandchildren.
Honors and Legacy
Lamar Lundy received many honors for his amazing sports career:
- He was chosen to play in the 1959 NFL Pro Bowl.
- He was selected for the NFL All-Pro team in 1967.
- He was inducted into the Indiana Football Hall of Fame in 1975.
- He was inducted into the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame in 1990.
- He was inducted into the Purdue University Intercollegiate Athletics Hall of Fame in 1995.
- A bridge in his hometown of Richmond, Indiana, was renamed the "Lamar Lundy Memorial Bridge" in his honor.
