Packers legend John Brockington passes away
Brockington was the first NFL player to rush for 1,000 yards or more in each of his first three seasons.
By PackerAaron
The Packers announced that legendary fullback John Brockington passed away earlier today. He was 74.
“The Packers family was saddened to hear about the passing of John,” said Packers President/CEO Mark Murphy. “One of the great runners of his era, John was an exciting player to watch with his powerful running style. Fans enthusiastically welcomed John back to Lambeau Field over the years, fondly remembering the 1972 division championship as well as the bright spots he provided in the less-successful seasons.
“I enjoyed getting to know John during his return visits to Green Bay and greatly respected his work in support of organ donation through the John Brockington Foundation. He leaves a wonderful legacy.
“We extend our condolences to his wife, Diane, and his family and friends.”
Playing in the era of 14-game schedules, Brockington rushed for 3,276 yards and averaged 4.3 per carry in his first three seasons.
His first year, 1971, saw him set the NFL rushing record for rookies with 1,105 yards, while averaging 5.1 per carry, and he was the only rookie named Associated Press All-Pro. He also was named the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year by the AP, and NFC Rookie of the Year by both the United Press International and Newspaper Enterprise Association.
The Packers traded up and selected Brockington out of Ohio State with the ninth overall pick in the 1971 draft. In all, he played six seasons and one game for the Packers, finishing with 5,024 yards on 1,293 rushing attempts, a 3.9 average, and 138 pass receptions for 1,075 yards, a 7.8 average.
PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO OUR CHEESEHEAD NATION WEEKLY NEWSLETTER HERE.
__________________________
Comments (23)
packerbackerjim
March 31, 2023 at 04:43 pm
Sad to hear of his passing. MacArthur Lane and he were a formidable rushing attack.
PackfanNY
March 31, 2023 at 04:52 pm
Very sad to hear this. A few years ago he was in the Lambeau Field Atrium doing a signing before a game. My father was a printer and many years ago had given me a promotional action poster of him vs the Redskins for a book signing. I had it in my room in Queens, NYC when I was a kid. Years later I gave it to my son. When we heard Brockington was going to be at Lambeau we brought the photo to the signing. Mr. Brockington was very gracious and signed the picture. He remembered that the photo was part of the signing. He asked where I had gotten it and I explained the story. May he rest in peace.
Since'61
March 31, 2023 at 05:04 pm
Very sad to learn of Brockington's passing. He was an excellent RB for the Packers. Teamed with MacArthur Lane they provided a great running attack for the Packers back in the early/mid 70s.
Thanks for the memories "Brock". You will be missed. RIP. Thanks, Since '61
wildbill
March 31, 2023 at 05:26 pm
His first year he teamed with Donny Anderson and they were a fine dual. Was sad to see Anderson go but loved the bruising style of Lane
jurp
March 31, 2023 at 05:38 pm
RIP. Loved how he and Lane punished defenses.
BirdDogUni
March 31, 2023 at 06:11 pm
I loved John Brockington. Too bad he had to play with Scott Hunter as QB. I was 10 years old his rookie year. The next season, my Dad had his only undefeated season as a HS coach. ('72) I have to take some credit for it too. In preseason that season, I compared our starting TE to John Brockington. My Dad was forever telling me I talked too much, which I did, and was constantly in trouble for it. Today, I rarely talk. Lesson's learned right?
It was funny though, because the next week we had the two biggest RBs in the conference. The QB was almost as big as Ben Rothlisberger. Having your Dad as your HC has it's pros and cons, but way more pros...
HarryHodag
April 01, 2023 at 07:50 am
Back in that day the focus on the QB was nowhere near as it is today. The QB was expected to compliment the running game with some timely passes. Today the game is such that you have to throw the ball 40 times a game or it's considered a failure.
The Packers had some good defensive players at the time but overall they didn't have much of a defense except for one year. That was the core of the problem, not Scott Hunter.
egbertsouse
April 01, 2023 at 08:17 am
And, too bad he had to play with Dandy Dan Devine as his coach. Devine was a total dipwad.
Bitternotsour
April 02, 2023 at 01:29 pm
Really? he got to the playoffs with Scott Hunter as his QB! Scott Hunter could barely throw a 10 yard out. He was like a shot putter. You may hate Devine for the Hadl trade, but he could coach the football of those times. It took a lot of bites at the apple to finally replace Bart Starr as quarterback.
relleum61
March 31, 2023 at 07:06 pm
My first memories of the Packers were those teams featuring John Brockington. Brockington always over performed while playing on mostly bad (with the exception of '72) teams. Brockington was my first "great" Packer running back and I will always appreciate what he brought to the game. I hope he was in heaven an hour before the Devil knew he was gone. RIP!
Packers0808
March 31, 2023 at 07:34 pm
Was fun to watch him punish defenders. You will be missed! RIP
kagood
March 31, 2023 at 07:44 pm
One of my early packer heroes! RIP.
BAMABADGER
March 31, 2023 at 08:42 pm
Brockington and Lane were one of the Packer's greatest running duo. Not Thunder and Lightning, more like "Thunder and more Thunder". Brock had that high knee kick. Still remember that tragic 1971 Bengal Packer game at Lambeau, John's knee hit DB Ken Dyer's helmet causing paralysis. Dyer passed in 2010. He regained partial use of his legs and arms, but never fully recovered. RIP John Brockington, my all-time favorite Ohio State Buckeye.
LeotisHarris
March 31, 2023 at 09:37 pm
Sad news. 42 was a great running back, teammate, and person.
In 2003, my son (8th grader) and I attended the Monday night game against the Eagles at Lambeau (painful loss). Treated the kid to a jersey at the much less intimidating Pro Shop prior to the game, and he proudly wore his new Darren Sharper jersey during the game. Bought that sucker with room to grow into it so he'd be able to wear it forever more. See where this is going?
When Sharper turned out to be garbage wrapped in skin (the sexual assaults, not playing for MN), I contacted the Packers Pro Shop and explained my dilemma. They were kind enough to make a Brockington name plate for me (less than $20, iirc), so the boy now has a damn sweet John Brockington jersey.
stockholder
March 31, 2023 at 09:44 pm
So sad - One of my favorite players.
cdoemel
March 31, 2023 at 09:58 pm
Brock and Lane were like Spahn and Sain. A bright spot in the darkness.
NickPerry
April 01, 2023 at 06:23 am
John Brockington was one of my favorite players as a young boy. I can't tell you how many times I watched (or listened on the radio) to the Packers running a draw play on 3rd and 9 and making it!
One of the very first Packers games I went to was at the old Metropolitan Stadium where the Vikings originally played BEFORE the Dome that collapsed in the snow and the current "Bird Cage" they play in now. It was one of the last games of the 1972 season, cold as hell, and Lane and Brockington went off in that game rushing for over 200 yards and a Packers win.
RIP Mr. Brockington...
gbpmark
April 01, 2023 at 08:23 am
I remember that game too! Big John sealed the victory I believe early in the 4th quarter on a 20+ yard run into the frozen ice covered end zone. He lost his footing as he went to stop and went barreling into the wall in the back of the end zone. The man was a a bulldozer all game running over the famous Purple People Eater defensive line. He was always one of my favorite Packer running backs. RIP Mr. Brockington…
Tundraboy
April 01, 2023 at 07:36 am
Thank you John for the great memories and to those here today for the great reminders . Brockington and Lane!
egbertsouse
April 01, 2023 at 08:21 am
I loved Brockington and Lane. The safeties were tough in those days and nobody wanted to tackle those guys. Can you imagine what guys like HHCD and Savage would do with Brockington bearing down on them? Probably do a Lambeau Leap trying to get out of the way.
Zapato
April 01, 2023 at 09:41 am
Another childhood hero gone! I loved watching Brock and Lane tear up opposing defenses. They kept this kid excited about the Packers during some lean times.
jont
April 01, 2023 at 10:16 am
It was a Bears game. Rain and lots of mud on the field in Lambeau. The Pack had the lead, and Brockington powered in for another TD. Complimenting the Bears for their fine defense, he was patting them on the back after he scored. And after he had filled his hand with mud each time.
jannesbjornson
April 01, 2023 at 11:40 am
He was a spokesman for the American Diabetes Association and the Organ Transplant Program.