John Mackey

John Mackey (September 24, 1941 – July 6, 2011) was an American professional football player who played tight end for the Baltimore Colts and the San Diego Chargers. Born in Roosevelt, New York, he attended Syracuse University, where he played three seasons from 1960 to 1962, alternating between running back, tight end, and wide receiver. His first two seasons came alongside Ernie Davis, the 1961 Heisman Trophy winner. At Syracuse, Mackey caught 27 passes for 481 yards and five touchdowns and rushed for 259 yards and four scores. As a junior he set a school record with 321 receiving yards and caught four passes in Syracuse's 15–14 win.

In the professional ranks, Mackey was a five-time Pro Bowler. Following the AFL-NFL merger, he became the first president of the National Football League Players Association, serving from 1970 to 1973. He was also a major reason the NFLPA created the "88 Plan," which financially supports former players who required living assistance in later years.

Mackey was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1992, the second pure tight end elected, and is widely regarded as one of the greatest tight ends ever.