Chuck Muncie dies, Chuck Muncie, who was a three-time All-Pro selection as an NFL running back, has
died. He was 60.
Muncie died of a heart attack Tuesday, the New Orleans Saints announced. Muncie
was taken in the first round of the 1976 NFL draft by the Saints and played five
seasons in New Orleans. He also played for the San Diego Chargers from 1980-84.
He was the Heisman Trophy runner-up to Archie Griffin in 1975 before the Saints
made him the third overall selection in the draft.
Muncie became the first New Orleans player to rush for more than 1,000 yards in
a season when he totaled 1,198 yards in 1979, when he was selected to his first
Pro Bowl. His rushing total of 3,393 yards is fifth-most all time for the
Saints' franchise.
Muncie was traded to San Diego during the 1980 season and earned two more Pro
Bowl selections (1981, '82). He led the NFL with 19 rushing touchdowns in 1981
and helped the Chargers to AFC Championship Game appearances in 1980 and '81.
In nine NFL seasons, Muncie rushed for 6,702 yards.
"Very sad news of the passing of former Chargers RB Chuck Muncie," the Chargers
said on their Twitter account. "Our thoughts are with the whole Muncie family."
Muncie's career, however, was cut short because of cocaine use in 1984 and in
1989 he was sentenced to 18 months in prison for selling the drug.
After prison, it was said Muncie turned his life around and worked to help other
through the Chuck Muncie Youth Foundation in Antioch, Calif.
