Russ Francis, a former 49ers tight end, departed on Sunday at the age of 70. In Lake Placid, New York, a tiny plane disaster claimed
his life.
Through the Lake Placid press, the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association announced that the aircraft “experienced an emergency
after takeoff.” Both Francis and Richard McSpadden, senior vice president of the AOPA, perished in the collision.
After an incredible 14-year NFL career, Francis turned to the skies. After the Patriots selected him with the 16th overall pick in the
1975 draft, he played for the team for six years. After a season of retirement, he came back to play for the 49ers for over five years, and
he ended his career with the Patriots for over a year.
Francis was a three-time Pro Bowler for the Patriots and won a Super Bowl with the 49ers. He posted 186 catches, 1,205 yards and 12
touchdowns in 75 regular season games for San Francisco. In the playoffs he put up 277 yards and one touchdown on 23 receptions in
seven games.
In his career Francis had 393 catches for 5,262 yards and 40 touchdowns in 167 games.
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