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Darris McCord
1933 - 2013
Darris McCord
1933 - 2013
Obituary
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BORN
1933
DIED
2013
Darris McCord Obituary
The Lions said in a release that McCord died at home in Bloomfield Hills. The team didn't give a cause of death, but the Detroit Free Press reported that McCord was diagnosed in March with pancreatic cancer.
"Darris will not only be remembered as a cornerstone to the Lions' great Fearsome Foursome defensive line of the 1960s, but also as someone who made many positive contributions to the Detroit community over the last five decades," Lions President Tom Lewand said.
McCord was selected in the third round by Detroit in the 1955 draft from the University of Tennessee, where he was an All-American. He spent his entire 13-year career in Detroit and was a member of the Lions' 1957 NFL championship team. He also played in the 1958 Pro Bowl.
McCord played left end on a line that included NFL great Alex Karras at left tackle, Roger Brown at right tackle and Sam Williams at right end. McCord had three interceptions and recovered nine fumbles in 168 games, mostly as a defensive end. He missed only two games in his career.
"Darris was one of the really good guys," said Mike Lucci, who played for the Lions in 1965-67.
Lucci said McCord never seemed to be in hurry when getting to huddles. "But, it was amazing how many times it was him that got to the quarterback first or the one who was leaping over a block," Lucci said.
McCord is survived by his wife, Helen; two daughters, Vickie and Kelli; and a son, Mike.
Copyright © 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
23 Entries
Patrick Diehl
August 5, 2022
Will truly Miss you , A Father Figure. The Best Job I ever had .Wish I could Have Attended would have been an Honor.
Kim McAdams
December 15, 2014
Truly a gentle Giant. I was employed by Darris at MPI for 7 years. He was an incredible guy. Just found out he passed. Rip......
terry mcclure
October 21, 2013
Always in our hearts and minds...kick the door down Bum, you belong in heaven.
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Linda
October 14, 2013
To the family of Mr. Darris McCord, you have deepest sympathy of the loss of your loved one. I know he'll be missed. May you have peace during this difficult time. (Numbers 6:26).
Ronald LaCanfora
October 13, 2013
Green grass sandy beaches gentle breezes tropical waters
Tony Hopkins
October 12, 2013
To Mike,
I am very sorry to have learned of your father's passing. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Greg Winokur
October 11, 2013
Dear Helen and family,
We're very sorry to hear of Darris's passing and recent illness. He was a wonderful man, and always a pleasure to be around. I truly wish I had had more time to get to know him even better. While we've been out of touch for many years, Mary and I send you our deepest sympathies and condolences.
Greg and Mary
October 11, 2013
Dear Aunt Helen, I'm sincerely sorry to hear of your loss. I always remember him as # 78 and an uncle I was always proud of. I'll always remember when Mike and I went to Cranbrook as waterboys with uncle Darris, it's one of my most precious memories. Talk about positively influencing a young boy! I do remember him as a "gentle giant" looking just as he did in that football photo. I never got to see him age. After your sister and Dad died we never really had contact. I'm sorry about that. God bless all of you in the "big guys" absence. May you all have long,healthy, and always most important, happy lives. Love from Seymour's oldest son, Jeffrey
Millie Cummings
October 11, 2013
Our buddy has went to the other side. He was always a shining light of wisdom, fun to be around and left us with many unbelievable memories. He will be missed by each and every one of us that were lucky enough to personally have enjoyed his company. A stronger man I've never meet. Many called him a gentle giant . We have shared with Darris and Helen many, many fun filled gatherings and those memories are priceless. My heavy heart cries for his family in their loss of their amazing father and grandfather. A lifetime together Darris and Helen shared and you never thought if one without the other. Helen, his love is engraved in your heart. I pray your emptiness be filled with love from all those that love you and are here to embrace you through this tough time. D - RIP my friend!
patsy nagy
October 11, 2013
I am Darris's cousin. So sorry to hear of his passing, he was one of the good guys.
Patsy (Daugherty) Nagy
Gerald Pratt
October 11, 2013
Sorry to learn of Darris' death, I played football with him at Franklin High School, Franklin, Tn. and knew his family well.
I cherish his friendship.
Jim Wilson
October 10, 2013
Darris was one of a kind, a true gentleman and kind human being. I feel very lucky to have known him. My condolences to his wonderful family. He is definitely looking down at all he had a wonderful effect on. Rest in peace big guy. Jim Wilson
Mike Hensley
October 10, 2013
Mrs. McCord,
I am Mike Hensley, second son to Tommy and Johnny Hensley. I am so sorry to hear of your families loss. Darris and my dad played together at UT and later dad spent 21 years as an official in the NFL. Dad died in 1994 of the same terrible pancreatic cancer. Mom died suddenly a few years ago. I remember visiting your home in Michigan and enoying you and your children's hopitality. I also have memories of working one day at the A & W Root Beer in Knoxville. I think that was with your brother.
Please accept condolences from the Hensley family.
Love,
Mike, Tommy, Missy and Tracy
Bobby Wilcox
October 10, 2013
I started following the Lions in 1950. What a thrill for a young boy to view these great teams that made you happy when Sunday rolled around. Thanks for the memories and now take your place upstairs where you belong, big guy!
Jane Dowling
October 10, 2013
God bless you and your loved ones ~ Rest in peace.
Dwayne Bickham
October 10, 2013
in God's care rest in peace
October 10, 2013
Sorry for your loss. Please know that death is like sleep in that the dead are unconscious, but God empowered Jesus to raise several people to life.-John 5:25-29, so be encouraged at this difficult time. "Let your kingdom come."
October 10, 2013
May the God of peace and tender mercy grant your family a calm heart giving you comfort and hope in His glorious promises.
2 Thessalonians 2:17
Baltimore MD
victor checketts
October 10, 2013
I am saddened to hear of the passing of this great from the Detroit Lions. they had such a strong defense in the 1950s and 60s. I remember watching the highlights of the lions won the 1957 championship. Darris played a big part on that defense that beat the 49ers. There should be a spot for him in the hall of fame. please lord bless his family that your love will be with his family during this very sad time. I pray that you will rest in peace #78 you will always be remembered.
October 10, 2013
rip brother
John Wilson
October 10, 2013
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
M. Harmon
October 9, 2013
To family of Mr. Darris McCord. Please accept my sincere condolences for the loss of Mr. Darris McCord. Sometimes words aren't enough to get through death of a loved one. That's why it's a must to draw comfort from each other as family and friends.-Colossians 3:14. Says that-Love is a perfect bond of union. May that bond comfort you all and bring peace to the family.
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