Hall of Fame Football Player Joe Perry Dies

Former NFL player Joe Perry, the first player ever to record back-to-back 1,000-yard rushing seasons, passed away on Monday at the age of 84.

According to the San Francisco 49ers, with whom Perry played most of his career, the football legend died in Arizona of complications from dementia.

"I was deeply saddened to hear of Joe Perry's passing earlier today," said 49ers owner John York. "He was a dear friend to my family and me and to the entire 49ers organization. He was also an intricate part of our rich history. A truly remarkable man both on and off the field, Joe had a lasting impact on the game of football and was an inspirational man to the generations of players that followed him. Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to his wife, Donna, and his entire family. He will be sadly missed by all of us."

Nicknamed "The Jet," Perry was known as a super-fast fullback. He played almost exclusively for the 49ers from 1948 to 1963, although he did play for the Baltimore Colts from 1961 to 1962.

During his 16-year NFL career (the 49ers were part of the AAFC until 1950), Perry earned 3 Pro Bowl selections, 2 All-Pro selections, and even a UPI NFL MVP title. To this day, he still stands as the 49ers' all-time leader in yards rushing and touchdowns rushing. At one point, Perry broke the NFL record for most career yards rushed, although a new record was later set by Jim Brown.

In 1969, Perry was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. In 1971, the 49ers retired Perry's jersey number 34.

"All of us here at the Pro Football Hall of Fame are extremely saddened to learn of the passing of the great Joe Perry," said Hall president and executive director Steve Perry. "Joe was not only a key figure in the history of professional football, but he was a great friend to us here at the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He was a frequent visitor to Canton for our annual enshrinement ceremony as well as many other Pro Football Hall of Fame events. Our heartfelt sympathies go out to his wife, Donna, and the entire Perry family."

(Sources: Associated Press)

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