Pro Football Hall of Fame linebacker Sam Huff has died at the age of 87.
His daughter, Catherine Huff Myers, announced the news Saturday. Huff—who died at a Winchester, Virginia, hospital—had dementia for the past eight years.
The former West Virginia star made an immediate statement during his 1956 rookie year as he helped the New York Giants win the NFL Championship over the Chicago Bears.
The stout middle linebacker was a force of nature for defensive coordinator (and eventual Dallas Cowboys head coach) Tom Landry's 4-3 defense.
The Giants Ring of Honor member then proceeded to make five more championship game appearances with the team in 1958, 1959, 1961, 1962 and 1963.