Former longtime New York Jets offensive linemen Marvin Powell and Jim Sweeney died this week, the group introduced Sunday.
Powell was a three-time All-Professional at proper sort out and served as president of the NFL Gamers Affiliation for 2 years throughout his 11-year NFL profession, the primary 9 with the Jets. He died Friday, the Jets mentioned. Powell was 67.
Sweeney was one of many Jets’ most sturdy gamers, beginning 158 consecutive video games throughout an 11-year stretch with the group, largely at middle. He died Saturday, the Jets mentioned. Sweeney was 60.
The 2 have been teammates with the Jets through the 1984 and ’85 seasons.
Powell, a member of the Faculty Soccer Corridor of Fame, was drafted by the Jets because the No. 4 total choose in 1977 out of USC. He gained a beginning job as a rookie and have become one of many franchise’s finest and most-decorated gamers, chosen to the Professional Bowl 5 straight seasons from 1979-83. Powell was an All-Professional in 1979, ‘81 and ’82.
Powell was additionally chosen the Jets’ MVP by his teammates in 1979.
“Marvin was probably the greatest linemen I’ve ever seen,” former Jets large receiver Wesley Walker advised the group’s web site. “He was only a bodily specimen. He was simply good. I simply beloved him.”
Powell performed his final two seasons with Tampa Bay, ending with 130 begins in 133 video games.
Powell was additionally one of many league’s most revered gamers whereas serving as a participant union rep, then was elected as vp of the NFLPA earlier than serving as president for 2 years. The Fort Bragg, North Carolina, native labored as an intern on the New York Inventory Trade and earned his legislation diploma from New York Legislation College in 1987.
Powell’s son Marvin III performed 9 video games as a fullback for New Orleans in 1999.
Sweeney was a second-round select of Pittsburgh — the place he was Dan Marino’s middle — in 1984 and began two video games as a rookie. The Pittsburgh native began each recreation at left guard in his second season, then moved to left sort out for 2 seasons earlier than changing into the Jets’ middle in 1988 — a task he held for seven years.
His versatility and toughness made him one of many group’s most beneficial gamers. It additionally earned him the respect of teammates and opponents.
“Jim was a typical Pittsburgh man,” former teammate and present group radio analyst Marty Lyons advised the group’s web site. “He was powerful — he was powerful to observe in opposition to on daily basis. You would rely on him each single Sunday.
“He had a special persona as quickly as he crossed over the traces, although. Arduous-nosed, powerful soccer participant, a loving, caring pal off the sector.”
Sweeney began each recreation for Seattle in 1995 and wrapped up his 16-year profession by taking part in 4 seasons along with his hometown Steelers. He performed in 228 video games, together with 176 begins.
Sweeney bought into teaching after his taking part in days, serving as an assistant at Duquesne and Albany. He additionally was an assistant at the highschool degree within the Pittsburgh suburbs for eight years.
Sweeney is survived by his spouse Julie and their 5 kids: Shannon, Liam, Aislinn, Kilian, and Teagan.
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