Blair-Kiel-Obituary

Blair Kiel

1961 - 2012 (Age 50)

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AGE
50

Obituaries

COLUMBUS, Ind. (AP) - Blair Kiel, the former Notre Dame quarterback and punter who played for Tampa Bay, Indianapolis and Green Bay in the NFL, died Sunday. He was 50.

Bartholmew County Coroner Allen Smith said Kiel died at Columbus Regional Hospital. Smith said an autopsy has been performed and that he's waiting on toxicology results and tissue samples to determine the cause of death.

After leading Columbus East High School to a state title as a senior in 1979, Kiel played for the Irish from 1980-83, completing 297 of 609 passes for 3,650 yards with 17 touchdowns and 32 interceptions. He set the record for the longest pass in Notre Dame history with a 96-yarder to Joe Howard against Georgia Tech in 1981.

Kiel also averaged 40.67 yards on 260 punts, and had five rushing TDs for Notre Dame.

Drafted by Tampa Bay in the 11th round in 1984, Kiel made three starts and appeared in 25 games in five seasons with the Buccaneers, Colts and Packe rs from 1984 to 1991. He completed 108 of 193 career passes for 1,296 yards and eight touchdowns and seven interceptions. Kiel also averaged 37.1 yards on 17 punts for the Colts.

His nephew, Gunner Kiel, is a freshman quarterback at Notre Dame.

Funeral arrangements are pending.


Copyright © 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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I went to school with him always a good friend RIP Lindy crea

I was at Notre Dame the same years as you, Blair. I hope you are having fun playing football in Heaven! I went to all of the games and it was just so exciting to be Fighting Irish!

I went to school with Blair Kiel I live in a small town Elizabeth town Indiana so sorry for your Loss I was watching a 1981 Notre Dame game and Miami football game and I really Blair playing for Dame I now live in new York but still have family in Columbus originally from Hawaii

My heart felt sympathies to the family. As a young man and lifelong packer fan . Blair was one of my favorite QBS the Packers had that really never had a chance to sport and show what his full potential was ! When he did play you got to see see glimpse of the true competitor that he was . We also got to see his unselfishness because there was never controversy at the QB position because he was capable.

I was a South Carolina State Trooper in the early 1980's when Notre Dame came to Columbia, SC to play the University of SC in football. I was assigned to work the game which was a great thrill for me personally because I have been a lifelong Notre Dame football fan. As I observed from the ND sidelines, Quarterback Blair Kiel drove the Fightin' Irish to an impressive victory over Carolina. After the game, I found Blair and asked him for an autograph on a football program that I had earlier...

You were a game changer both on the field and in the game of life

May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind always be at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
and rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

To the Kiel family, sorry to hear of Blair's passing, I knew Blair from Wayne elementary, and Southside Jr. High. I have had some good moments with Blair. Blair is a real competitor and I know Jesus has welcomed him with open arm's.....

A year ago today was truly the best Saturday of my life spending every minute with you - wonderful moments, loving conversations, your precious letter, endless laughs and your beautiful voice singing Stevie Wonder and John Legend as we danced...anywhere & everywhere even in the store that day. I should have sensed it was too perfect but we had so many of those days the past few years. Only hours later, Easter Sunday morning was the worst day of my life & one that changed my life...

Blair with Keith at boys club

Almost a year ago,we were all shocked to hear the sad news of Blair's passing. Blair was such a role model for our boys,they were fortunate to have his help at summer camp at the boys club in Columbus. Blair always had a smile on his face and a great personality.