If you were a fan of the NFL in the 1970s, you know Mike Fanning.
Fanning played alongside Jack Youngblood on the vaunted Los Angeles Rams defense.
Sadly, he has passed.
He was 69 years old.
Gone but Not Forgotten
Fanning played his college ball at Notre Dame where he was an absolute monster.
He helped lead ND to a national title in 1973, having gone 11-0.
He ended up being drafted in the first round by the Rams, joining Youngblood on that massive defensive front.
He did not get the glory Youngblood got, but he was part of the reason why Youngblood was able to rack up the stats he did…
Mike was my wing man in the Battle, God Bless you
My Brother!!! @NFL @RamsNFL @TulsaHurricane @NDFootball Former Rams first round pick Mike Fanning dies at 69 https://t.co/YSvsTTfd7g— Jack Youngblood (@theblood85) November 1, 2022
After an eight-year stint with the Rams, he would play a season each with the Lions and Seahawks before retiring.
He finished with 42.5 sacks in 137 games, his best season being 1980 when he put the QB down 10 times.
At the time of his death, he was working for the University of Tulsa.
Rick Dickson, Tulsa’s Athletic Director and VP, stated, “We are saddened by the news of Mike’s passing.
“He was a tremendous football player at Notre Dame and in the NFL and carried that competitiveness and work ethic into everyday life.
“He was such a likable person who worked to help TU athletics achieve success.”
Source: Fox News
