A former Alabama offensive tackle whose likeness was later used as the model for the Walter Payton Man of the Year trophy, has died at the age of 82, the Green Bay Packers and NFL announced Tuesday.
Steve Wright, a Louisville native, was an offensive lineman at Alabama under legendary head coach Bear Bryant, where he was a member of their 1961 national championship team. After his college career, he was drafted by both the NFL’s Green Bay Packers and AFL’s New York Jets in 1964. He ultimately ended up playing for the Packers and won 3 straight NFL championships with the team from 1965 to 1967, along with Super Bowls I and II.
He then joined the New York Giants, where he spent 2 seasons. He later played a season each for the Washington Redskins (1970), Chicago Bears (1971), and St. Louis Cardinals (1972) before his retirement.
In 1969, Wright was the model for a sculpture called “The Gladiator” created by Daniel Bennett Schwartz. The sculpture eventually was used for The Gladiator Award, first given out later that year. In 1970, it took on the NFL Man of the Year name, and in 1999, changed to its current name to honor Walter Payton.
Former Alabama OT, model for Walter Payton Man of the Year trophy, dies at 82 Saturday Down South.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Former Alabama OT, model for Walter Payton Man of the Year trophy, dies at 82 )
Also on site :