NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -John Gordy, a former offensive lineman for the Detroit Lions and University of Tennessee who helped form the NFL Players’ Association, has died. He was 73.
The university said in a statement Saturday that Gordy died Friday in Orange, Calif., after a long battle with cancer.
He was a three-time Pro Bowler with the Detroit Lions before a knee injury led to his retirement in 1967.
The Nashville native was named All-Southeastern Conference in 1956 while captain of the Volunteers.
Gordy served as president and executive director of the NFL Players’ Association and was instrumental in negotiating the first collective bargaining agreement in major professional sports.
A memorial service was planned for Feb. 7 in Irvine, Calif.
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