Sports

Former Ohio State Buckeyes running back passes away

Former Ohio State Buckeyes and Green Bay Packers running back John Brockington passed away on Friday at the age of 74.

“The Packers family was saddened to hear about the passing of John,” Packers President/CEO Mark Murphy said in a statement on the team’s site.

“One of the great runners of his era, John was an exciting player to watch with his powerful running style. Fans enthusiastically welcomed John back to Lambeau Field over the years, fondly remembering the 1972 division championship as well as the bright spots he provided in the less-successful seasons.

“I enjoyed getting to know John during his return visits to Green Bay and greatly respected his work in support of organ donation through the John Brockington Foundation,” he added. “He leaves a wonderful legacy. We extend our condolences to his wife, Diane, and his family and friends.”

What was John Brockington’s career statistics?

In 29 games over three seasons with the Buckeyes, Brockington ran for 1,663 yards on 378 carries, for 24 touchdowns including 17 total in 1970.

While with the Packers, Brockington went on to win the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year honor in 1971 and was the first player in league history to run for more than 1,000 yards in each of his first three seasons.

Brockington retired from the NFL in 1977 after spending time that year with the Kansas City Chiefs.

Follow Timm Hamm on Twitter and Instagram

Be sure to stay locked into BuckeyesNow all the time!

Join the BuckeyesNow community!

Subscribe to the BuckeyesNow YouTube channel

Follow BuckeyesNow on Twitter: @BuckeyesNow_FN

Follow BuckeyesNow on Instagram: @BuckeyesNow_FN

Like and follow BuckeyesNow on Facebook!

Copyright ABG-SI LLC. SPORTS ILLUSTRATED is a registered trademark of ABG-SI LLC. All Rights Reserved.

(EDITOR’S NOTE: Get the latest Mahoning Valley news in your email inbox weekday mornings. Sign up here for our free daily newsletter.)

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Follow Mahoning Matters on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

This story was originally published April 2, 2023 at 4:58 AM with the headline "Former Ohio State Buckeyes running back passes away."