Herb Adderley, Hall of Fame Cornerback and Winner of 3 Super Bowls, Dies at 81
AP/Shutterstock Herb Adderley
One of football's greatest players has died.
Herb Adderley, who was part of six different championship teams from 1961 to 1971, died Friday, the Pro Football Hall of Fame announced. He was 81.
"The entire Pro Football Hall of Fame family mourns the passing of Herb Adderley. He was a great player and an even greater man," said Hall of Fame President and CEO David Baker in a statement Friday.
"Herb left an indelible mark on the Game and was respected tremendously by players and personnel across the league," added Baker of the cornerback, who played for the Greenbay Packers and later the Dallas Cowboys.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with Herb’s wife, Brenda, and their entire family. We will forever keep his legacy alive to serve as inspiration for future generations," concluded Baker's statement. Baker added that the Hall of Fame's flag would be flown at half-staff to honor Herb's memory.
Herb's cousin, Los Angeles Chargers safety Nasir Adderley, also shared a statement, saying that the NFL legend had an "incredible influence" on his life.
Truly an unique soul who has had such an incredible influence on my life. I’m going to stay strong because I know that’s what you would want, but I’m going to miss you so much man. Rest in paradise king, I love you🖤 https://t.co/v0a7SqFrDV
— Nasir Adderley (@NasirAdderley) October 30, 2020
"Truly an unique soul who has had such an incredible influence on my life," Herb wrote on Twitter. "I’m going to stay strong because I know that’s what you would want, but I’m going to miss you so much man. Rest in paradise king, I love you."
A Michigan State alum, Herb was drafted to the Packers in 1961 and eventually traded to the Cowboys in 1970. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1980.
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During his impressive football career, Adderley played in six NFL championship games between 1961 and 1971 between the Packers and the Cowboys — and won at each appearance. He also played in four of the first six Super Bowl games, winning three.
Mel Evans/AP/Shutterstock Herb Adderley
Packers president and CEO Mark Murphy said in a statement Friday that "the Green Bay Packers Family was saddened today to hear of Herb Adderley's passing."
"Herb was one of the greatest defensive backs to ever play the game," Murphy said. "Few players can match his statistics with 48 interceptions and seven pick-sixes. He was a tremendous all-around athlete, as evidenced by the fact that he was All-City in Philadelphia in football, basketball and baseball, played halfback and defensive back at Michigan State and was an outstanding kick returner in the NFL."
"He was instrumental in the great success of the Lombardi teams and was the only player to play in four of the first six Super Bowls, and was a key member of six NFL championship teams," Murphy added. "We extend our deepest condolences to Herb's family and friends."
