CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Hall of Fame offensive lineman Mike McCormack died Friday in Palm Desert, Calif. He was 83.
McCormack played, coached and held several executive positions in the NFL, including president of the Carolina Panthers.
Panthers spokesman Charlie Dayton says he spoke with McCormack's wife, Ann, and was informed of McCormack's death of natural causes.
McCormack spent 12 seasons with the Cleveland Browns, helping the franchise win NFL championships in 1954 and 1955. He played with Otto Graham and blocked for running back Jim Brown.
McCormack later coached the Philadelphia Eagles (1973-75), Baltimore Colts (1980-81) and Seattle Seahawks (1982). He served as president and general manager of the Seahawks.
McCormack was instrumental in helping the Panthers land an NFL franchise in 1993 and is the first person selected into the team's Hall of Honor.
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AP NFL website www.pro32.ap.org
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