The Green Bay Packers are mourning the loss of fullback icon John Brockington. The former All-Pro died at the age of 74. He once set a special record in the NFL.

The Green Bay Packers are mourning the loss of their icon John Brockington. The former fullback died in San Diego at the age of 74. This was officially announced by the Packers.

Brockington played for the Wisconsin franchise between 1971 and 1977 and was once the first running back in NFL history to break the 1,000 rushing yards mark in each of his first three years. Brockington still ranks fourth on the Packers’ all-time list of most rushing yards with 5,024 yards.

Brockington set rookie record in NFL

The Packers selected him ninth overall in the 1971 draft, and he was selected to the Pro Bowl three times during his career. The 1,105 yards in his first year were an NFL rookie record at the time. After that season, he was named Rookie of the Year as well as All-Pro at his position. In 1972, he played a major role in the Packers’ title in what was then the NFC Central.

After a brief interlude with the Kansas City Chiefs, he finished his career in 1977 with a total of 5,185 rushing yards and 30 rushing touchdowns.

“John was one of the greatest runners of his time and an exciting player to watch with his powerful running style. Fans have enthusiastically welcomed John to Lambeau Field over the years and fondly remember the 1972 division title as well as the bright spots he provided during less successful seasons,” Packers president Mark Murphy is quoted as saying.