*CANTON, OHIO – Pro Football Hall of Famer DON MAYNARD passed away today at the age of 86, his family told the Hall of Fame. Enshrined into the Hall of Fame in 1987, Maynard was a wide receiver for the New York Giants (1958), New York Titans/Jets (1960-62/1963-1972) and the St. Louis Cardinals (1973).
Maynard was known for his ability to improvise – in life and on the field. His second season in professional football was spent in Hamilton with the Canadian Football League before joining the American Football League in 1960 as the first signee for the New York Titans (renamed the Jets in 1963).
While Maynard was a frequent standout for the Jets, he had his biggest day in the 1968 AFL Championship game that preceded the Jets’ stunning upset of Baltimore in Super Bowl III. In New York’s 27-23 victory over Oakland, Maynard caught six passes for 118 yards and two touchdowns. His 14-yard grab in the first period gave the Jets the lead and his 6-yard catch in the fourth period proved to be the game-winner.
At the time of his retirement following the 1973 season, Maynard was one of only five players to record more than 50 receptions and more than 1,000 receiving yards in five different seasons. A four-time AFL All-Star, his 633 career catches for 11,834 yards were both pro records at the time. He was also the first receiver to reach 10,000 yards in receptions – a record he was proud to hold.
The following is a statement from Hall of Fame President Jim Porter:
“Our Pro Football Hall of Fame family mourns the passing of Don Maynard. He was a resilient man on and off the field – and someone that his teammates could always count on. He was humble, and perhaps the best way to remember Don is through his own words – from his Enshrinement speech:
‘I came to play, and I came to stay. Football was a game; Country Don was my name. I made a mark, and I became a star, with a lot of help from near and far. There are good ones and great ones, I played with and against. Thank you, good Lord, for that wonderful chance. As I played my part many times even late after dark, I don’t have to look back as I played it with my heart. The direction from where I came, resulted in a whole lot of fame. I played the best and I believe I passed the test. I am glad this is over; I need some rest.’
Our thoughts and prayers are with Don’s family during this difficult time. The Hall of Fame will forever guard his legacy. The Hall of Fame flag will be flown at half-staff in Don’s memory.
*From the Pro Football Hall 0f Fame
