Pat Fischer, a former cornerback for the then-Washington Redskins, died at the age of 84, the team announced Tuesday.
“We mourn the loss of Ring of Fame member and former All-Pro cornerback Pat Fischer. Sending our heartfelt condolences to Fischer’s family and loved ones,” the Washington Commanders wrote on Twitter.
Fischer’s professional career spanned 17 years, making appearances in 213 games. He spent 10 seasons with Washington, finishing his football playing days with 27 interceptions and 412 career interception return yards with the team, accomplishments that rank seventh all time and fourth all time in the franchise’s history, respectively, the team noted.
We mourn the loss of Ring of Fame member and former All-Pro cornerback Pat Fischer. Sending our heartfelt condolences to Fischer’s family and loved ones. pic.twitter.com/h7PI4MQWzl
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) October 8, 2024
The Nebraska native played for the University of Nebraska, like his three older brothers, and served as the college football team’s captain in 1960. During his college career, he played multiple positions, including punt returner, halfback and quarterback.
He was first drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals, now the Arizona Cardinals, in 1961 as the 232nd pick and later joined Washington in 1968 as a free agent. His most notable time in the league was under George Allen with the “Over the Hill Gang,” which helped the team clinch its first appearance in the Super Bowl during the 1972 season, the Commanders noted. (RELATED: Pioneer Super Bowl Champion Duane Thomas Dies At 77).
ATLANTA – DECEMBER 7 : Safety Pat Fischer #37 of the Washington Redskins returns an interception against the Altanta Falcons at Fulton-County Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on on December 7, 1975. The Redskins defeated the Falcons 30-27. (Photo by NFL Photos/Getty Images)
“Pat Fischer shows that size and speed is not necessarily the number one requisite for a football player,” Allen said. “He never missed a practice, never missed a game, played 110 percent. He was as tough as nails, loved the game, [and was] a tremendous competitor.”
“Fischer is a member of the Washington Ring of Fame and was an All-Pro and Pro Bowl caliber player for the franchise during his 10-year career with Washington from 1968-77,” the team said in a statement. “Fischer’s contributions to the team on the field and in our community will never be forgotten. We send our heartfelt condolences to Pat’s daughter, Allison Shannon, his son, Marty Fischer and the rest of Pat’s family and friends at this time.”
Fischer retired following the 1977 season due to a back injury and later settled down in Ashburn, Virginia, with his family.
He was awarded the George Halas Award in 1978, an accolade given to a player, coach or staff member in the NFL “who overcomes the most adversity to succeed,” the Commanders reported.
This article was originally published at dailycaller.com
