Brother of Ex-NFL Player Killed in Plane Says Flying Was His Passion and ‘Fitting Way For Him to
Go’
The younger brother of Russ Francis said flying was a lifelong passion of the former NFL star
Published 10/02/23 09:24 AM ET|Updated 10/02/23 11:54 AM ET
Luke Funk
Tight end Russ Francis #89 of the San Francisco 49ers warms-up on the sideline during a game against the New Orleans Saints at Candlestick Park on November 15, 1987 in San Francisco, California. George Rose/Getty Images
Tributes are flowing in for Russ Francis, the former NFL Super Bowl winner who died in a plane crash in New York on Sunday.
Ed Francis posted on Facebook: “Needless to say, my family and I are completely flattened. Flying was my brother’s lifelong passion, and perhaps a fitting way for him to go. God speed to you my big brother!”
Tight end Russ Francis #81 of the San Francisco 49ers makes a move against Minnesota Vikings safety Joey Browner #47 during a game at Candlestick Park on October 12, 1986 in San Francisco, California.
Tight end Russ Francis #81 of the San Francisco 49ers makes a move against Minnesota Vikings safety Joey Browner #47 during a game at Candlestick Park on October 12, 1986 in San Francisco, California.George Rose/Getty Images
Francis was a Super Bowl-winning tight end who played for 13 seasons in the NFL in the ’70s and ’80s. He played for the New England Patriots and San Francisco 49ers. He got his Super Bowl Ring in the 49ers’ win over the Dolphins in Super Bowl XIX.
Tight end Russ Francis #81 of the of the New England Patriots talks with an official during a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Three Rivers Stadium on September 26, 1976 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Tight end Russ Francis #81 of the of the New England Patriots talks with an official during a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Three Rivers Stadium on September 26, 1976 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.George Gojkovich/Getty Images
Former 49ers teammate Jesse Sapolu said he was saddened by the news.
