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April 5, 2007

Darryl Stingley dies

CHICAGO (AP) — Former New England Patriots receiver Darryl Stingley, who was paralyzed after a hard hit during an NFL exhibition game nearly 30 years ago, has died. He was 55.

Stingley was pronounced dead at Northwestern Memorial Hospital Thursday morning after he was found unresponsive in his home, according to Tony Brucci an investigator with the Cook County medical examiner’s office.

An autopsy was scheduled for Thursday. His cause of death was not immediately available.

Stingley played football until August 12, 1978, when the then 26-year-old receiver went up for a pass during an exhibition game and was hit hard from behind by Oakland Raiders safety Jack Tatum. The hit broke his neck and left Stingley a quadriplegic for life.

Stingley was born and raised in Chicago. He was a star running back at John Marshall High School. He attended Purdue on a football scholarship.

In 1973, he was a first-round draft pick of the Patriots, owned by Robert Kraft.

“On behalf of the Kraft family and the entire Patriots organization, we’re deeply saddened by news of Darryl Stingley’s death, and our thoughts and prayers are with the Stingley family at this time,” said team spokesman Stacey James.

Stingley was the Patriots first-round draft choice in 1973. He had 110 receptions for 1,1883 yards and 14 touchdowns in five seasons. He also had 28 runs for 244 yards and two touchdowns.

Posted by Mike McDermott at 9:12 AM | Permalink

Comments

I remember the game, and I remember all of the talk after the incident. I lost all of the respect I had for Tatum when he refused to appologize for the hit. Rest in peace Darryl.

Posted by: Errol at April 5, 2007 4:01 PM

I remember this like it happened yesterday this is the reason I refused to allow my son to ever play football. I talked about Darryl and thought of him for years.

You Can Rest Now!

Posted by: kelley at April 5, 2007 5:43 PM

I honestly feel that Tatum should have made peace w/ Stingley whether he thought the hit was legal or not - It is only moral to help those in need.
I feel sorry for Mr. Stingley's family at this time. I feel bad for Jack Tatum for going through life w/ such a cold heart - God bless them both !!

Posted by: William Lockett at April 5, 2007 9:30 PM

I met his son, Derek a few years ago when he played WR for the Carolina Cobras of the Arena League in Charlotte. I told him that Patriot fans still remembered his Dad and to wish him well. At first he was surprised then thanked me. He introduced me to his wife and kids and told them that I had seen their Grandfather play. Nice moment.

Another great moment was during the 1977 season. After a game my parents took me and my brothers over to where the players parked their cars to get autographs. Stingley came out and told everyone that he would come back and sign autographs after he brought some things to his car. A lot of players were using that excuse to leave. But Darryl went to his car and then came back and signed autographs. I was 9 then, and it made an impression.

Thanks Darryl, RIP

Posted by: doug at April 5, 2007 11:56 PM