Falcons Hall of Famer Claude Humphrey Passes Away at 77

Former Atlanta Falcons and Philadelphia Eagles pass-rusher Claude Humphrey has passed away at 77.

The Pro Football Hall of Fame released a statement Saturday afternoon detailing that the 2014 inductee passed away Friday evening (Dec. 3). Humphrey's cause of death remains unannounced.

Humphrey became a formidable presence on the defensive line, earning six Pro Bowl selections and five First-Team All-Pro nods between 1968-81. He was voted the AP Defensive Rookie of the Year in '68 after getting selected No. 3 overall that year as part of the AFL/NFL Draft.

Humphrey's legacy is cemented as a determined rusher that garnered 130 sacks during his near decade's long tenure with the Falcons and three years with the Eagles. In '76, Humphrey recorded 15 sacks for the Atlanta defense, a career-high total. He's included in the Falcons' Ring of Honor.

"The entire Pro Football Hall of Fame family mourns the passing of Claude Humphrey," announced Hall of Fame president Jim Porter. "Known as a hard worker and a reliable teammate, Humphrey was always willing to help the team out wherever needed and knew success was achieved collectively. His humble spirit guided him on and off the field. Our thoughts and prayers are with Claude's family during this difficult time. The Hall of Fame will forever guard his legacy. The Hall of Fame flag will be flown at half-staff in Claude's memory."

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