The Green Bay Packers honor a former player
Former Green Bay Packers fullback John Brockington died Friday, per multiple reports. Brocking was 74 years old. He was a first-round draft pick by the Packers in 1971 after a stellar career playing for Ohio State in college. Brockington would earn NFL offensive rookie of the year and All-Pro honors. He was nominated to the Pro Bowl three times. Brockington was elected to the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame.
Packers President/CEO Mark Murphy released a statement on Brockington not long after reports came out on Brockington’s death:
“The Packers family was saddened to hear about the passing of John. 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 leaves a wonderful legacy. We extend our condolences to his wife, Diane, and
his family and friends.”
Brockington was known as a forceful runner
According to a statement by the Packers, Brockington was known as a hard nose runner who was difficult for defenders to bring down:
“The trademarks of Brockington’s game those first three seasons were: Take the ball, hit the hole like a bulldozer in a drag race and annihilate would-be tacklers. He did it with a rare combination of power and speed mixed with a little wiggle.
In 1972, when the Packers won the division title, Lane and Brockington also were the Packers’ two leading receivers with 26 and 19 catches, respectively. Carroll Dale led the wide receivers with 16 receptions.
Those stats alone tell you that there was nothing fancy about the offense. Brockington weighed 225 pounds; Lane weighed 220. And they were deployed like two battering rams play after play, series after series.”
Brockington played for the Packers through Week 1 of the 1977 season, after which they released him. He would retire after signing with the Kansas City Chiefs and playing through the rest of the 1977 season. Brockington ran for 5,185 yards and scored 30 rushing touchdowns in his NFL career. He recorded 1,297 receiving yards and caught four touchdown receptions in his seven professional seasons.
