2 / 4
Ken Bowman – Jan. 2 (death announced on this date)
Ken Bowman – Jan. 2 (death announced on this date)
Former Green Bay Packer Ken Bowman died in either December 2023, or January 2024. The offensive lineman who played under legendary coach Vince Lombardi was 81.
Bowman was a three-time NFL champion, and on the Packers’ Super Bowl I and II-winning squads. A member of the team’s Hall of Fame, he’s best remembered for his block during the Ice Bowl, which led to a game-winning TD by Bart Starr.
During his playing days, Bowman earned a J.D. from the University of Wisconsin Law School. He spent his entire NFL career with Green Bay before a single season with the Hawaiians in the since-shuttered World Football League.
Frank Ryan – Jan. 1
Former NFL QB Frank Ryan died Monday in a Connecticut nursing home, the Cleveland Browns announced.
Ryan, the last quarterback to guide the Browns to a title, was 87.
Frank Ryan Jr. told Cleveland.com that his dad was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.
A three-time Pro Bowler, Ryan led the league in touchdown passes in 1964, en route to a championship. He threw three touchdowns in an upset of Johnny Unitas and the Colts.
Ryan passed for 16042 yards, and 149 TDs during his 13-year career. He was drafted by the Rams, and also played for Washington.