Hall of Fame defensive end Willie Davis passed away earlier today. He was 85 years old.
Willie Davis was drafted in the 15th round of the 1956 draft by the Cleveland Browns. However, he was unable to join the team until 1958 due to military service. When he did join Cleveland, he barely played. When it appeared that he would start playing more as an offensive lineman in 1960, the Browns traded him to the Packers.
Upset by the sudden trade, Davis considered retiring instead of reporting to Green Bay. Legendary coach Vince Lombardi, however, convinced Davis that he was the right man to be the Packers’ starting defensive end and the rest, as they say, is history.
Willie Davis went on to have a stellar career with the Packers. A member of all five championship teams in the 1960s, Davis earned five All-NFL selections and made five Pro Bowls. He also recovered 22 fumbles during his career. Willie Davis was elected to the Football Hall of Fame in 1981.
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