Chuck Muncie dies, Former
running back Chuck Muncie, a three-time All-Pro has died at the age of
60. ESPN reported the cause of death as a heart attack.
A star at the University of California, Muncie finished second in the Heisman Trophy voting as a senior, then was third overall pick by the New Orleans Saints in the 1976 NFL draft.
He was traded to the San Chargers during the 1980 season. In 1981, he scored a league-leading 19 touchdowns.
His career ended in 1984 when he was suspended for the rest of that season following a positive test for cocaine after the first week. A comeback attempt in 1985 with the Minnesota Vikings ended when he quit, saying he had to get his personal life in order.
Drug problems followed him after he retired. He was sentenced to 18 months in prison in 1989 for selling cocaine, but it changed his life. In his later years, Munice worked with children, counseled adults who struggled with addiction, and encouraged gang members to lead more productive lives.
A star at the University of California, Muncie finished second in the Heisman Trophy voting as a senior, then was third overall pick by the New Orleans Saints in the 1976 NFL draft.
He was traded to the San Chargers during the 1980 season. In 1981, he scored a league-leading 19 touchdowns.
His career ended in 1984 when he was suspended for the rest of that season following a positive test for cocaine after the first week. A comeback attempt in 1985 with the Minnesota Vikings ended when he quit, saying he had to get his personal life in order.
Drug problems followed him after he retired. He was sentenced to 18 months in prison in 1989 for selling cocaine, but it changed his life. In his later years, Munice worked with children, counseled adults who struggled with addiction, and encouraged gang members to lead more productive lives.
