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Mike Lucci
Mike Lucci
Mike Lucci
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Michael Gene Lucci (December 29, 1939 – October 26, 2021) was an American professional football player who was a linebacker for 12 seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He played for the Cleveland Browns for three seasons from 1962 to 1964 and nine seasons with the Detroit Lions from 1965 to 1973. Lucci played college football for the Pittsburgh Panthers before transferring to the Tennessee Volunteers.

Key Information

Early life and college

[edit]

Lucci was born into an Italian-American family on December 29, 1939, in Ambridge, Pennsylvania, near the steel mills of western Pennsylvania. He only played football for the first time as a high school senior, at tackle.[1][2]

Lucci earned a football scholarship to the University of Pittsburgh, and later transferred for his final three years to the University of Tennessee.[1] Lucci played center and linebacker at Tennessee.[3][4] Over two consecutive seasons, he ran back interceptions for touchdowns against the University of North Carolina.[2]

He was named an All-American in 1961, and played in the College All-Star Game against the Green Bay Packers.[1] He also played in the Senior Bowl in January of 1962.[5] He was named to the Southeastern Conference (SEC) All-Star Team in 1960 and 1961, being named first-team All-SEC by the Associated Press (AP) at center in 1961. Lucci received honorable mention on both the 1961 United Press International (UPI) All-America Team and 1961 AP All-American Team.[6][3][7][8] He was also elected team captain in 1961.[4]

Playing career

[edit]

Lucci was a fifth round draft pick of the Cleveland Browns in 1962 (69th overall). He played for the Browns from 1962 to 1964. He was named to the 1962 NFL All-Rookie Team, and was on the Browns' 1964 NFL Championship team.[1]

Lucci joined the Lions as a result of a three-team transaction on August 30, 1965. He, along with a draft pick, were 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.[9]

Lucci would be with the Lions from 1965 to 1973.[1] He was a 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) 230-pound (104.3 kg) linebacker, playing principally at middle linebacker for the Lions,[10] known for his ability to play through injury.[11] Lucci's defensive coverage abilities earned him a total of 21 career interceptions in 117 games with the Lions. He returned four of those interceptions for touchdowns.[10]

Lucci was the Lions' team captain in six seasons,[12] and was voted by his teammates the Lions' Defensive Most Valuable Player from 1969 to 1971.[13] In addition, in 1969, he was named second-team All-Pro by the Associated Press and United Press International (UPI). The UPI named him second-team All-Conference in 1970 and 1971, and The Sporting News named him first-team All-Conference in 1971.[10][14][15] Lucci was named to the Pro Bowl following the 1971 season during which he intercepted five passes, two of which he returned for touchdowns.[10][15]

On another Lucci interception and return, in an August 1971 exhibition game in Florida, Jets quarterback Joe Namath injured his knee attempting to tackle Lucci.[16] Namath has said that injury began the downturn in his career, as witnessed by the number of games missed after that nearly season long injury, and the few games missed before the injury.[17] Ironically, Lucci and Namath (Beaver Falls)[18] are both from Beaver County, Pennsylvania.[19] Both are members of the Beaver County Sports Hall of Fame.[20]

In the January 1972 Pro Bowl game, Lucci deflected a field goal attempt by future hall of Hall of Fame kicker and NFL 100th Anniversary All Time Team member, Jan Stenerud.[21]

He retired before the 1974 season, having played 154 regular season games over 12 years.[13][10]

Honors

[edit]

In addition to the honors and awards listed above, Lucci has received the following awards and honors, among others;[1]

  • Inducted into the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame (2004)[14]
  • Inducted into the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame (1986)[22]
  • Inducted into the National Italian-American Sports Hall of Fame (1995)[23]
  • Inducted into the Beaver County, Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame (1979)[20][6]
  • Inducted into the Western Pennsylvania Hall of Fame (1985)[24]
  • Inducted into the Pennsylvania Italian American Hall of Fame
  • Ricky Sandoval Award, presented by Detroit Lions for contributions in sports and the community (2017)[12]

Media career

[edit]

Lucci appeared as himself in the 1968 film Paper Lion,[1] and as the hitman "Fast Eddie" in the 1973 film Detroit 9000.[25][26] He also appeared in commercials for Alitalia Airlines. From 1976 to 1978 Lucci served as a color analyst for Lions broadcasts on WJR radio. In 1979, he was a part-time NFL analyst for NBC television.[1]

Business career and charities

[edit]

After retiring from the NFL Lucci was a successful business executive and entrepreneur. He first entered business as a vice president and national physical fitness director for the Vic Tanny chain of health spas.[13] He was the former president of Bally's which at the time was the largest commercial operator of fitness centers in the United States. He co-owned 19 Burger Kings, and Venture Contracting and Development based in Troy, Michigan.[1]

Among other charitable endeavors, Lucci raised over $2 million for Spaulding for Children's, seeking permanent homes for hard-to-place children, and he established an education endowment fund for these children. He raised $650,000 for Gridiron Greats by hosting a golf tournament, to help former NFL players in financial need.[1]

Death

[edit]

Lucci divided his time between homes in Michigan and Palm Beach County, Florida. He died in Florida following an extended illness on October 26, 2021, at the age of 81.[27] At the time of his death, he had been married for 58 years to Patricia Lucci, with whom he had two children, and two grandchildren.[1]

References

[edit]
[edit]
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Mike Lucci

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Michael Gene Lucci (December 29, 1939 – October 26, 2021) was an American professional football linebacker who played twelve seasons in the (NFL) for the and . Born in , Lucci excelled in high school football at Ambridge Area High School before attending the for one year and transferring to the , where he earned recognition on the (SEC) All-Star team in 1960 and 1961. Selected by the in the fifth round (69th overall) of the 1961 NFL Draft, he debuted in 1962 and contributed to the team's victory in the , their last title to date. Lucci spent the majority of his career with the after being traded in 1965, playing nine seasons through 1973 and appearing in 154 total games across his tenure. He was named the Lions' defensive three times (1969–1971), earned All-NFL honors in 1969, and was selected to the in 1971 while also receiving NFC All-Conference recognition in 1970 and 1971. Following his playing career, Lucci transitioned into as a radio and television sportscaster, served as president of Bally's Total Fitness, and co-owned 19 in and . He also appeared as an actor in the 1968 film , which depicted the Lions' training camp. Lucci was inducted into the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame in 2003 and remembered for his toughness and leadership on the field.

Early life and education

Upbringing in Pennsylvania

Michael Gene Lucci was born on December 29, 1939, in , to Italian-American parents Rose and Louis Lucci. He was raised in a closely-knit, hard-working family, with his father employed as a steelworker in the local mills that defined the town's economy. Lucci had one , a sister named Kathy, who later married William Sholudko. Ambridge, a classic working-class steel town in , surrounded by industrial mills, shaped Lucci's early childhood experiences. Growing up amid this rugged environment, he learned the values of family unity and diligent labor from his parents, which instilled a strong . The physical demands of life in such a community, where production dominated daily existence, naturally fostered resilience and athletic potential in local youth. During his pre-high school years, Lucci encountered initial exposure to sports through Ambridge's vibrant and activities, including programs that emphasized football and other physical pursuits in the steel town's tradition. This setting laid the groundwork for his later interest in , transitioning naturally into organized high school .

High school career

Mike Lucci attended Ambridge Area High School in , where he graduated in 1957. Lucci did not participate in organized football until his senior year, marking him as a in the sport. During that single season in the late 1950s, he played as a linebacker for the Ambridge Bridgers, quickly demonstrating his athletic potential despite his limited experience. His standout performance as a senior attracted scouts, leading to a football scholarship at the , where he enrolled after graduation. This recruitment highlighted Lucci's rapid emergence as a regional talent, setting the stage for his collegiate and professional career.

College career

Lucci began his career at the , where he enrolled on a and spent one year before transferring to the . In 1959, Lucci transferred to , where he spent three seasons from 1959 to 1961, lettering and playing in 1960 and 1961 as team captain during his senior year. He primarily played center but also saw action at linebacker, contributing on both offense and defense for the Volunteers. During his time at Tennessee, Lucci recorded four interceptions for 99 yards and two touchdowns, including a 43-yard pick-six in 1960, highlighting his defensive versatility in the secondary. He also returned one punt for 29 yards that season. Lucci's performance earned him recognition as a All-Star in both 1960 and 1961. In 1961, he received honorable mention on both the and [Associated Press](/page/Associated Press) All-America teams as a center. Following his senior season, he was selected to play in the 1962 College All-Star Game in . His college career culminated in the 1961 NFL Draft, where he was chosen in the fifth round (69th overall) by the .

Professional football career

Cleveland Browns

Mike Lucci was selected by the Cleveland Browns in the fifth round (69th overall) of the 1961 NFL Draft out of the University of Tennessee and signed with the team ahead of the 1962 season. As a rookie, he transitioned to the professional level by starting all 13 games at outside linebacker under coach Paul Brown, earning recognition on the NFL All-Rookie Team for his contributions to the Browns' defense. Lucci adapted quickly to the pro game's physical demands, focusing on run defense and pass coverage in a 4-3 alignment, though official tackles were not recorded in that era. In 1963, Lucci's playing time was limited by a knee injury sustained during the season, appearing in only 10 games with one start and no interceptions or fumble recoveries. He rebounded in , playing all 14 regular-season games with three starts at linebacker, including one fumble recovery, as part of a stout defense that allowed 20.9 points per game. That year, Lucci contributed to Cleveland's NFL Championship run, culminating in a 27-0 victory over the in the NFL Championship Game on December 27, , securing the franchise's last league title to date. Following the 1964 season, the Browns traded Lucci to the on August 30, 1965, as part of a three-team deal involving a draft pick, ending his three-year tenure in where he appeared in 37 games overall.

Detroit Lions

Lucci joined the via trade from the prior to the 1965 season, marking the beginning of a nine-year tenure that solidified his reputation as a defensive cornerstone for the franchise. Over 117 games with , including 106 starts, he amassed 21 interceptions for 308 yards and four touchdowns, along with eight fumble recoveries and an estimated 12 sacks, contributing significantly to the team's defensive efforts in the NFC Central Division. His leadership was evident as a six-time captain, guiding the Lions through competitive divisional rivalries, particularly against the , where his coverage and tackling helped anchor the linebacker corps during intense matchups that defined the era's NFC battles. Lucci's impact peaked in the late and early , earning him the Lions' defensive MVP award from 1969 to 1971, a period when the team achieved four consecutive winning seasons and their first playoff appearance since 1957. In 1970, he played a key role in Detroit's 10-4 regular season and NFC Wild Card berth, starting all 14 games and recording two interceptions while recovering three fumbles to bolster a defense that allowed just 14.4 . His 1971 season stood out with five interceptions, including two returned for touchdowns—one a 27-yard pick-six—highlighting his ball-hawking ability in high-stakes games. These performances exemplified Lucci's versatility as a middle linebacker, blending run support with pass defense in an era of physical, run-heavy offenses. The following table summarizes Lucci's season-by-season statistics with the Lions, focusing on games played/started, interceptions (INT), interception yards (Yds) and touchdowns (TD), fumble recoveries (FR), and estimated sacks (Sk). Tackles were not officially tracked by the NFL during this period.
YearGGSINTYdsINT TDLngFRSk
1965112000010.5
19661313511816301.5
1967141424713103.5
19681212110101.5
19691414000014.0
1970141421801231.0
1971141457422700.0
19721414200020.0
197311945002110.0
Total11710621308463812.0
Source: Pro-Football-Reference.com During Lucci's era, the Lions posted records of 6-7-1 in 1965, 4-9-1 in 1966, 5-7-2 in 1967, 4-8-2 in 1968, 9-4-1 in 1969, 10-4-0 in , 7-6-1 in 1971, 8-5-1 in 1972, and 6-7-1 in 1973, with the 1970 campaign representing their strongest divisional push amid fierce competition from teams like the Packers and . Lucci announced his retirement following the 1973 season, concluding a 12-year career that saw him transition from a special teams player in to a Lions defensive leader.

Honors and awards

NFL achievements

During his nine seasons with the , Mike Lucci earned recognition as one of the NFL's top linebackers, highlighted by his selection to the following the 1971 season as the NFC's representative. He was also named the Lions' Defensive in 1969, 1970, and 1971, reflecting his leadership and impact on the team's defense during those campaigns. Lucci received second-team All-Pro honors in 1969 from both the Associated Press and United Press International, underscoring his standout performance that year. Additionally, he garnered All-NFC recognition, including first-team honors from in 1971 and second-team selections from UPI in 1970 and 1971. His on-field excellence led to six team captaincies with the Lions, roles tied directly to his consistent defensive contributions and inspirational presence among teammates. These accolades were bolstered by Lucci's statistical output, particularly his league-leading interceptions for the Lions in multiple seasons, including five picks in 1966 and another five in 1971 that resulted in two touchdowns. Over his Lions tenure, he amassed 21 interceptions for 308 yards and four touchdowns, alongside nine fumble recoveries, establishing him as a turnover-forcing force in the secondary.

Post-career recognitions

Following his retirement from professional football in 1973, Mike Lucci received numerous honors recognizing his contributions to the sport, particularly his tenure as a standout linebacker for the . In 1979, he was inducted into the Beaver County Sports Hall of Fame, celebrating his roots in , and his achievements, including three consecutive team defensive MVP awards from 1969 to 1971. That same year marked the beginning of a series of tributes that highlighted his leadership and tenacity on the field, as noted in the hall's official profile of his career. Lucci's legacy extended to broader regional and state-level recognitions in the ensuing decades. He was inducted into the Western Chapter of the Sports Hall of Fame in 1985, acknowledging his impact as a Pennsylvania native who excelled in college at the and the before his professional success. In 2003, Lucci earned induction into the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame, honoring his nine seasons with the Lions, where he served as defensive captain and earned All-NFL recognition in 1969. This induction underscored his role in bolstering Detroit's defense during a pivotal era, with the hall emphasizing his selection to the in 1971 as a capstone to his playing career. Later honors focused on his hometown ties and enduring Lions legacy. In 2009, the Ambridge Area inducted Lucci into its Bridger Hall of Honor as part of its inaugural class, recognizing his journey from a 1957 high school graduate to an champion with the 1964 Cleveland Browns and a Lions stalwart. The district highlighted his post-retirement philanthropy, including donations to Ambridge's football program, during the ceremony. Lucci was also selected to the Detroit Lions All-Time Team, a retrospective honor compiled by the franchise to commemorate its history, affirming his status among the organization's elite linebackers. In 2022, posthumously following his passing in 2021, Ambridge Borough Council presented a formal to his family, praising his embodiment of community pride and his 12 seasons that included NFC All-Conference honors in 1970 and 1971. This tribute, delivered in a council meeting, featured acknowledgments of his inspirational influence on local youth athletics.

Post-retirement pursuits

Media and entertainment

Following his retirement from professional football after the 1973 season, Mike Lucci transitioned into sportscasting, drawing on his nine seasons as a standout linebacker and team captain for the to provide insightful analysis. He served as a radio analyst for games on WJR-AM from 1976 to 1978, offering color commentary alongside play-by-play announcer Bob Reynolds. Lucci expanded his television presence in 1979 and 1980 as a part-time NFL analyst for NBC broadcasts, contributing to national coverage of league games.

Business and philanthropy

After retiring from professional football, Mike Lucci pursued a successful career in the fitness industry, serving as president of Bally Total Fitness, the largest commercial operator of fitness centers in the United States at the time. Under his leadership, the company expanded significantly, growing to over 20,000 employees across 300 locations nationwide. Lucci also ventured into the restaurant sector as a co-owner of 19 in and , partnering with Tony Versaci to operate and develop these establishments. This entrepreneurial effort contributed to his reputation as a savvy businessman, with the franchises providing steady operations in multiple communities. In philanthropy, Lucci hosted an annual charity golf tournament in , which raised over $650,000 for the Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund, an organization supporting former players in financial need, led by his friend . He further extended his charitable efforts by supporting Sparky Anderson's CATCH Charity for Children, aimed at aiding underprivileged youth, and the St. Louis Center, a residential facility for adults with developmental disabilities in . These initiatives underscored Lucci's commitment to and assistance for vulnerable populations, leveraging his business acumen to foster lasting impact.

Personal life and death

Marriage and family

Mike Lucci married Bunch on March 2, 1963. Their marriage lasted 58 years until Lucci's death in 2021. The couple had two children: a son, Michael Lucci, who is married to Rebecca, and a daughter, Michelle Lucci. Lucci and had two grandchildren, Michael III and Nicholas. Lucci was remembered as a devoted family man for whom family was the most important role in his life.

Illness and passing

Mike Lucci died on October 26, 2021, at the age of 81 in Boca Raton, Florida, following an extended illness. His family confirmed the passing via an obituary posted by Glick Family Funeral Home in Boca Raton. An intimate family interment was held privately. In lieu of flowers, the family requested donations to Gridiron Greats, a charity supporting retired players. The released a statement mourning his loss, with owner noting, "We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Mike Lucci, whose passion for life was felt by all who knew him," and praising his hard-nosed play and enduring love for the team and football. Tributes from peers and the community underscored his impactful legacy in football and .

References

  1. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/L/LuccMi00.htm
  2. https://www.nfl.com/news/former-detroit-lions-pro-bowler-mike-lucci-dies-at-age-of-81
  3. https://www.ambridge.k12.pa.us/?p=9217
  4. https://nflfootballjournal.blogspot.com/2021/10/another-great-one-gonerip-mike-lucci.html
  5. https://michigansportshof.org/inductee/mike-lucci/
  6. https://www.glickfamilyfuneralhome.com/obituary/Michael-Lucci
  7. https://www.freep.com/obituaries/det107091
  8. https://www.timesonline.com/in-depth/sports/2021/07/23/talking-tykes-ambridge-lessons-learned-front-world-friday-night-steel-country-beaver-county/8004626002/
  9. https://www.bcshof.org/halloffamers/lucci1979.htm
  10. https://www.timesonline.com/story/sports/high-school/2021/10/27/ambridge-football-legend-mike-lucci-dies-age-81/8563519002/
  11. https://www.timesonline.com/story/sports/2016/04/18/no-35-mike-lucci-was/18553491007/
  12. https://utsports.com/sports/2017/6/22/football-career-statistics-l
  13. https://utsports.com/documents/download/2022/8/4/Honors_Section__WEB_.pdf
  14. https://utsports.com/documents/download/2005/7/29/05fbguide-honors.pdf
  15. https://utsports.com/documents/download/2025/4/23/UT_NFL_Draft_History.pdf
  16. https://www.cleveland.com/browns/2014/10/cleveland_browns_1964_champion_4.html
  17. https://www.nytimes.com/1963/10/15/archives/on-the-injury-list-2-giants-3-browns.html
  18. https://profootballarchives.com/players/l/lucc00200.html
  19. https://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-legend-mike-lucci-passes-away-at-age-81
  20. https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2021/10/26/detroit-lions-mike-lucci-nfl-dead/8554171002/
  21. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/det/index.htm
  22. https://westernpasportshof.org/inductees
  23. https://www.detroitlions.com/photos/detroit-lions-all-time-team
  24. https://www.timesonline.com/story/sports/local/2022/06/15/nfl-pro-bowler-and-champion-mike-lucci-honored-in-ambridge/65361206007/
  25. https://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20030505/SUB/305050866/fresh-idea-grows-for-area-franchise
  26. https://www.voicenews.com/2009/01/20/council-tables-burger-king-proposal/
  27. https://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/obituary-michael-gene-lucci
  28. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0524375/bio/
  29. https://www.knoxtntoday.com/90107-2/
  30. https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2021/10/26/mike-lucci-former-detroit-lions-pro-bowl-linebacker-dies-81/8551428002/
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