PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Former Eagle, and Purdue football star, Leroy Keyes died Thursday at the age of 74.
According to the Associated Press, Keyes was dealing with congestive heart failure and had a recurrence of cancer.
The team tweeted Thursday, “The Eagles are saddened to learn of the passing of Leroy Keyes.”
Drafted third overall in 1969, Keyes played running back for the Eagles in 1969 and 1970, before switching to strong safety in 1971 — a season he made six interceptions and, according to the team’s web site, combined with All-Pro Bill Bradley for 17 picks that season.
After playing four season with the Eagles, Keyes’ final year in the NFL was 1973 with the Kansas City Chiefs. According to the AP, injuries ended Keyes’ professional football career early.
Keyes then became a desegregation specialist for the Philadelphia school district for 16 years.
Prior to his days with the Eagles, Keyes was a star at Purdue. The two-time All-American rushed for 1,003 yards and 14 touchdowns in 1968 and 986 yards and 13 touchdowns in 1967, when he also caught six in the end zone. In 1967, he finished third in Heisman Trophy voting. In 1968, he was second behind O.J. Simpson.
Keyes became a College Football Hall of Famer in 1990. He returned to his alma mater in 1995 and held a variety of roles before retiring in 2011.
Keyes is survived by his wife, Monica, and and children — Raymond, Jacqueline, Courtland and Colin.