DETROIT, Mich. -- Former Detroit Lions Pro Bowl linebacker Mike Lucci, the team's defensive MVP from 1969 to 1971, has died, his family confirmed Tuesday. He was 81.
Lucci spent nine seasons with the Lions from 1965 to 1973, being named to the Pro Bowl in 1971.
"We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Mike Lucci, whose passion for life was felt by all who knew him," Lions owner Sheila Ford Hamp said in a statement. "Many will remember Mike for his toughness as a player during his nine seasons with the Lions, earning Pro Bowl honors in 1971 and being named the team's defensive MVP three times.