Mike Lucci obit

Lions Legend Mike Lucci passes away at age 81

 

He was not on the list.

Allen Park, Mich.— Former Lions LB Mike Lucci, who played for the Lions for nine seasons (1965-73), passed away at the age of 81, the Lucci family confirmed today.

 

STATEMENT FROM LIONS PRINCIPAL OWNER AND CHAIR SHEILA FORD HAMP

"We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Mike Lucci, whose passion for life was felt by all who knew him. Many will remember Mike for his toughness as a player during his nine seasons with the Lions, earning Pro Bowl honors in 1971 and being named the team's defensive MVP three times. His positive presence as a leader within our Lions Legends community made him a familiar face to all, and his willingness to give back will always be part of his great legacy. We extend our heartfelt sympathies to his wife, Patricia, and the entire Lucci family."

Lucci originally entered the NFL as a fifth-round draft pick by the Cleveland Browns in 1961 out of the University of Tennessee before being acquired by the Lions via trade in 1965. During his nine seasons with Detroit, Lucci earned All-NFL honors in 1969 and was named to the Pro Bowl following the 1971 season. He served as a team captain and was named the team's defensive MVP from 1969-1971.

Lucci played collegiately at the University of Tennessee and for one year at the University of Pittsburgh.

Lucci joined the Lions as a result of a three-team transaction on August 30, 1965. He, along with a draft pick, was first sent by the Browns to the New York Giants for all-pro cornerback Erich Barnes. Then the Giants traded him, guard Darrell Dess and a draft pick to the Lions for quarterback Earl Morrall.

He was a 6'2", 230-pound middle linebacker known for his ability to play through injury. Lucci’s defensive coverage abilities earned him a total of 21 career interceptions with Detroit. He returned four of those interceptions for touchdowns. Lucci was voted by his teammates the Lions’ Defensive Most Valuable Player from 1969-1971. In addition, he was All-NFL in 1969, NFC All-Conference in 1970-1973. Lucci was named to the Pro Bowl following the 1971 season where he intercepted five passes, two of which he returned for touchdowns. On one return, Jets quarterback Joe Namath injured his knee attempting to tackle Lucci and Namath has said that injury was the downturn in his career.

Lucci also appeared as himself in the 1968 film Paper Lion, and as a hitman in the 1972 film "Detroit 9000" as well as commercials for Alitalia Airlines. From 1975 to 1978 Lucci served as a color analyst for Lions broadcasts on WJR radio. In 1979 and 1980 he was a TV color analyst for NBC, often paired with Vin Scully and Dick Enberg.

Following his playing career, Lucci served as a radio analyst for Lions games from 1976-78 and went on to become a successful businessman in Metro Detroit. Lucci is also a member of the Michigan, Pennsylvania and National Italian-American Sports Halls of Fame.