Lions Great Mel Farr Dies

Former Detroit Lions running back Mel Farr died suddenly at his home Monday at the age of 70.  Farr played seven seasons for the Lions from 1967-73.

He shared rookie of the year honors in 1967 with his teammate and good friend, Lem Barney, and was twice selected to the Pro Bowl before leaving football to become a well-known local auto dealer.

He ran for 717 yards in 1970, helping the Lions go 10-4 in the regular season. They reached the playoffs that season for the first time since 1957.  Farr played college football at UCLA, and he finished seventh in the voting for the 1966 Heisman Trophy.

Farr, who was dubbed "Mel Farr Superstar," bought his first dealership with money he saved from his playing career in 1975. He appeared in his own commercials, often wearing a cape.