NFL linebacker legend Sam Huff dies at 87

LOS ANGELE: Sam Huff, a feared linebacker who personified the rugged and sometimes violent world of American pro football, died Saturday in a Virginia hospital. He was 87.

Huff’s daughter, Catherine, told The New York Times that the NFL Hall of Famer learned in 2013 that he had dementia.

Huff’s career lasted 13 seasons, playing for the New York Giants from 1956-63. He then joined the Washington NFL team in 1964 before finishing up with them in 1969.

“We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Pro Football Hall of Famer Sam Huff,” Washington team owners Dan and Tanya Snyder said in a news release.

“Anyone who knew Sam knew what an amazing person he was. He was an iconic player and broadcaster for the franchise for over 40 years.”

Huff won six NFL championships with the Giants and was selected to the Pro Bowl five times.

He reached a stature in American gridiron that few achieved as his presence on the field demanded both respect and fear from opponents.

He appeared on the cover of Time magazine under the headline “A Man’s Game”, and in a CBS documentary titled “The Violent World of Sam Huff”.