The New England Patriots are deeply saddened to learn of the loss of former tight end Russ Francis, who passed away on Sunday, Oct. 1, at the age of 70.
"On behalf of the entire New England Patriots organization, we extend our sincerest sympathies to the family of Russ Francis, who tragically passed away yesterday," said Patriots Chairman and CEO Robert Kraft. "Russ was a fan favorite throughout his playing career. He was a dynamic player on the field who had an even bigger personality off it. He knew no boundaries, pushed the limits and lived his life to the fullest. Our thoughts are with Russ's family, friends, teammates and the many Patriots fans who mourn his loss."
“The Cessna 177 Cardinal in which Richard was in the right seat experienced an emergency after takeoff,” the association said in a statement. “The airplane attempted to return to the airport but failed to make the runway.”
The National Transportation Safety Board is leading the investigation. An initial Federal Aviation Administration incident report says the plane “crashed under unknown circumstances short of the runway.”
Francis played for the New England Patriots and San Francisco 49ers for a total of 13 seasons and was a two-time All-Pro. He caught five passes for 60 yards as the 49ers won Super Bowl XIX in January 1985.
Originally drafted in the first round (16th overall) of the 1975 NFL Draft by the New England Patriots, Francis played 13 seasons in the NFL, including parts of six of which were spent with the 49ers (1982-87), and totaled 393 receptions for 5,262 yards and 40 touchdowns in his career. Prior to being traded to the 49ers ahead the 1982 season, he was a two-time All-Pro (1976, 1978) and a three-time Pro Bowl player (1977-79) with the Patriots. As a member of the 49ers, Francis recorded 186 receptions for 2,105 yards and 12 touchdowns and was a key member of the 1984 49ers team that won a franchise-record 15 regular season games and defeated the Miami Dolphins, 38-16, in Super Bowl XIX.
Francis was traded by New England to San Francisco in 1982 for a draft pick that was used to select Pro Football Hall of Fame LB Andre Tippett. He was a key member of the 49ers 1984 Super Bowl victory over Miami. Francis returned to New England in 1987 and retired as a member of the Patriots following the 1988 season.
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