R.I.P. SPORTS RELATED 2024(Non Wrestlers)

[jimsteel]

Edward Raymond “Bibbles” Bawel, a former NFL safety known for his time with the Philadelphia Eagles, passed at the age of 93.

Born on November 21, 1930, in Boonville, Indiana, Bawel was a multi-sport standout at Evansville College, excelling in football, basketball and baseball.

Bawel joined the Philadelphia Eagles as an undrafted free agent in 1952, quickly making a name for himself by leading the league in punt returns and intercepting eight passes in his rookie season1. After a brief hiatus from military service, he returned to the Eagles in 1955, setting a franchise record with nine interceptions. His career also included a memorable stint with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, where he helped secure the 1957 Grey Cup.
Beyond his athletic achievements, Bawel was inducted into the Indiana Football Hall of Fame in 1979. He later transitioned to a successful career in business, working with Jasper Engines and Transmissions.

[jimsteel]

James Alexander “Alex” Forsyth, a former NHL player, passed away at the age of 69.

Born on January 6, 1955, in Galt, Ontario, Forsyth was a talented ice hockey forward who played one game in the National Hockey League with the Washington Capitals during the 1976-77 season. He was selected 18th overall in the 1975 NHL Entry Draft by the Capitals.

Forsyth’s professional career included stints with the Richmond Robins and Springfield Indians in the AHL, as well as the Tulsa Oilers in the CHL. He had reached his dream of playing in the NHL

[jimsteel]

Italian icon Salvatore Schillaci, the top scorer at the 1990 World Cup, has died aged 59

[jimsteel]

Gene Cronin, a former NFL defensive end and linebacker, passed away at the age of 90

Born in Spalding, Nebraska, Gene’s football journey began at the University of the Pacific, where he showcased his talent and dedication to the sport.

Drafted by the Detroit Lions in the seventh round of the 1956 NFL Draft, Gene quickly made a name for himself as a pass-rushing specialist. He was a key contributor to the Lions’ 1957 NFL Championship victory. Gene’s career also included stints with the Dallas Cowboys and the Washington Redskins, where he played a total of 87 games over seven seasons.

After retiring from playing, Gene transitioned to a successful career in scouting and player personnel. He served as the Detroit Lions’ chief scout and was the first person hired by the newly formed Atlanta Falcons, where he became the Director of Player Personnel and later the Assistant General Manager.

[jimsteel]

Al McCoy, the legendary voice of the Phoenix Suns, passed away peacefully at the age of 91

Known affectionately as “The Voice of the Suns,” McCoy’s career spanned an incredible 51 years, making him a beloved figure in the world of sports broadcasting.

Born on April 26, 1933, in Williams, Iowa, Al McCoy began his broadcasting career in the 1950s. He joined the Phoenix Suns in 1972 and quickly became synonymous with the team. His iconic phrases like “Shazam!” and “Heartbreak Hotel” became part of the Suns’ lore, endearing him to generations of fans.

Throughout his career, McCoy was celebrated for his distinctive voice, his deep knowledge of the game, and his unwavering passion for the Suns. He was inducted into the Sun's Ring of Honor and received numerous accolades, including the Curt Gowdy Media Award from the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

[on_the_edge]

Hmm. A few guys who played on the Lions 57 championship team have passed away recently. RIP

[jimsteel]

Eugene “Mercury” Morris, a legendary running back for the Miami Dolphins, passed away at the age of 77.

Known for his electrifying speed and dynamic play, Morris was an integral part of the Dolphins’ perfect season in 1972, a feat that remains unmatched in NFL history.

Born on January 5, 1947, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Morris played college football at West Texas State before being drafted by the Dolphins in the third round of the 1969 NFL Draft. He quickly made a name for himself as a versatile player, excelling both as a running back and a kick returner. During the 1972 season, Morris and his backfield partner Larry Csonka each rushed for over 1,000 yards, making them the first duo in NFL history to achieve this milestone in a single season.

Morris’s career was marked by numerous accolades, including three Pro Bowl selections and leading the NFL in rushing touchdowns in 1972. Beyond his on-field achievements, he was known for his resilience and ability to overcome personal challenges, later becoming a motivational speaker and engaging in various creative projects.
Morris excelled as both a running back and kick returner. The majority of his playing days were spent with the Miami Dolphins. From 1969 to 1971, he backed up Jim Kiick at halfback and served as the Dolphins' primary kickoff return man. In his rookie year of 1969, Morris averaged 26.4 yards per kickoff return, leading the AFL in kickoff returns with 43 and in kickoff return yardage with 1136.[3] Both totals would have also led the NFL. His 105-yard return was the longest in the AFL that season, and he was also one of the AFL's leading punt returners that year. In 1970, he missed some time on the field due to a leg injury, but his 6.8 yard per carry average on 60 runs was the highest in the league among players with at least 50 runs.59
Super Bowl years

In 1971, despite being unhappy with his minimal playing time as a backup halfback, he helped the Dolphins to their first Super Bowl, Super Bowl VI, by leading the American Football Conferencewith a 28.2 yard kickoff return average. During the regular season, Morris also made the most of his opportunities as a running back, gaining 315 rushing yards on 57 carries for a 5.5 yard average, an average that would have led the NFL if he had enough carries to qualify. That season, Morris was selected for the Pro Bowl for the first time as a kick returner, although he also was used as a running back in the game.
In the 1972 and 1973 seasons, Morris earned Super Bowl rings in Super Bowl VII and Super Bowl VIII and was selected for the Pro Bowl in both years. In 1972, he shared the halfback position with Kiick, participating in a few fewer plays than Kiick but having more carries as a running back. That year, he ran for exactly 1,000 yds on 190 carries, becoming, with teammate Larry Csonka, the first 1,000-yard tandem in NFL history. Morris was initially thought to have finished with 991 yards but the Dolphins' management asked the league to examine a play in which Morris fumbled a lateral so he was awarded the nine yards previously recorded as lost on the play, giving him 1,000 yards for the season. That year, Morris also led the NFL with 12 rushing touchdowns, and his 5.3 yard per carry average was third in the NFL.
By 1973, Morris had taken over the starting halfback spot and rushed for 954 yards on 149 carries, despite playing with a neck injury late in the season. His 6.4 yard per carry average led the NFL that season, and he finished third in the NFL in rushing touchdowns.

Morris excelled in several playoff games leading up to Miami's two Super Bowl victories. In 1972, he led the Dolphins in rushing in both the divisional playoff game against Cleveland and the AFC Championship Game against Pittsburgh with 72 yards and 76 yards respectively. In 1973, he led the Dolphins in rushing for a divisional playoff game against Cincinnati with 106 yards and added 86 more rushing yards in the AFC Championship Game against Oakland.

[jimsteel]

Charles LaCarda Riggins, a former NFL defensive end, passed away at 65

in Tampa, Florida at the age of 64. Born on November 9, 1959, in Sanford, Florida, Charles was a standout athlete from a young age. He attended Seminole High School before continuing his education and football career at Bethune-Cookman College, where he played as a defensive lineman from 1977 to 1980.

Charles was drafted in the ninth round of the 1982 NFL Draft by the Green Bay Packers, pre-season, practice squad. Over his three-season NFL career, he also played for the Washington Redskins pre-season, practice squad and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for three games in 1987. In addition to his NFL career, Charles played in the USFL with the Tampa Bay Bandits and the Orlando Renegades, where he made significant contributions on the field.

[TTX]

RIP Mercury.

[jimsteel]

Bobby Wilson, a former NFL defensive lineman, passed away at the age of 55.

This was inadvertly missed. Wilson was a defensive tackle for the Washington Redskins in the National Football League from 1991-1995. He played college football for the Michigan State Spartans and was selected by Washington in the first round of the 1991 NFL draft. Wilson was a member of the team that won Super Bowl XXVI his rookie season. During his career, he played in 42 games and started in 24 of those contests. He also recorded 11.5 sacks during his tenure with the Redskins.