Image: AFP
Francis was one of the NFL’s best tight ends in the 1970s and 1980s, with three Pro Bowl and two All-Pro selections. The former top player was a passionate pilot and died in a plane crash at Lake Placid airport along with former US Air Force commander Richard McSpadden. Shortly after takeoff, the plane encountered turbulence and crashed; it was initially not clear whether Francis or McSpadden was at the controls.
He had his best time with the Patriots between 1975 and 1980, after which he moved to the San Francisco 49ers, where he played alongside quarterback icon Joe Montana and won the Super Bowl in 1985.
Before moving to the Patriots, Francis had actually already ended his career, partly because of a financial dispute with the Patriots and partly because he was angry about the way the franchise dealt with a tragic accident in 1978: his roommate, Darryl, who died in 2007 Stingley remained paralyzed after a hit in a preseason game, and the Patriots then argued with Stingley over his health insurance.
After a second stint with the Patriots, he finally ended his career in 1989. In a statement, the Patriots said they were “deeply saddened” by the death of the former top performer, who was 70 years old.
In the NFL, Francis scored 40 touchdowns and gained 5,262 receiving yards. At Oregon State, where Francis played in college, he is part of the sports hall of fame.
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