Former Lions RB, Mel Farr, Dead At 70

Former NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, Mel Farr, died at the age of 70, according to Fox Sports. Farr went seven pro seasons with the Detroit Lions and rushed more than 3,000 yards. Mel Farr spent his entire NFL career with the Lions from 1967 to 1973.

Farr’s son confirmed that he had died at the age of 70 in his home suddenly Monday night.

Lions’ President Tom Lewant released a statement on Tuesday.

“The entire Lions family is saddened by the passing of Mel Farr. As both a player and a businessman, Mel was blessed with many talents and a personality to match. His energetic presence in Detroit, both on the field during his playing career and off the field for decades after, was unique and unmistakable. Mel truly lived a life of distinction and will be missed.”

Farr played college football at UCLA and came in seventh in the voting for the 1966 Heisman Trophy. He was a first round draft pick for the Lions in 1967 and ran 860 yards in 13 games as a rookie.

After retiring from the Lions in 1974, Farr became one of the first African Americans who owned an auto dealership, which he grew into an empire of 11 dealerships in four states, according to Detroit Free Press. Farr even attempted to open a casino in Detroit with Donald Trump, which later failed. Black Enterprise magazine ranked Farr as one of the largest African American-owned companies in the country.

Farr is remembered for his car commercial, “Mel Farr, Superstar,” where he dons a white suit and red cape. Bill Perkins said that Farr was a pioneer among minority-owned auto dealerships and a mentor for younger, aspiring dealers.

“I came to Detroit in 1979 and I will never forget, I was staying in a hotel, and I turned on the TV, and here was this black guy flying across the sky. I was just shocked.”

Farr stayed close to football and the Lions and was a founding member of the Detroit Lions Alumni Association.

This is the second death to come to the Detroit Lions. On July 2, former Hall of Fame tight end Charlie Sanders was confirmed dead.

[Photo by Mike Powell/ Getty Images]