Paul “Rocky” Rochester, a defensive lineman on the New York Jets' Super Bowl-winning team in 1969, has died. He was 81.
The team announced Rochester's death on its website Tuesday, saying it happened last weekend but did not provide additional details.
Rochester, who grew up in Floral Park, began his pro football career with the Dallas Texans in 1960. He played three-plus seasons with the AFL team that would become the Kansas City Chiefs. Shortly after being released during the 1963 season, Rochester was signed by the Jets and became their starting left defensive tackle.
He played 6 1/2 seasons for New York and capped his playing career by helping Joe Namath and the Jets win the franchise's only Super Bowl title.