Neil Clabo obit

Former Tennessee punter Neil Clabo passes away, family says

 He was not on the list.

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) - A former punter for the University of Tennessee who went on to play in the NFL has died.

Neil Clabo passed away Wednesday morning at the age of 71 after a battle with Alzheimer’s, according to his family.

Clabo played at Farragut and UT before going to the NFL, where he spent three years with the Minnesota Vikings before retiring after the 1977 season.

“Neil truly enjoyed his time here on earth. He loved his friends and family immensely and would give you the shirt off his back,” Neil’s sister, Jill, said.

Arrangements for Clabo have not been announced.

He had a 3-year career in the National Football League (NFL) from 1975 to 1977 as a punter. He was named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team. He was voted to the Pro Football Writers All-Pro second team for the 1975 season. He played in Super Bowl XI as a member of the Minnesota Vikings.

Neil Clabo is the uncle of retired NFL offensive tackle Tyson Clabo.

In 2013, Clabo was inducted into the Greater Knoxville Sports Hall of Fame.