DETROIT, Mich. — The Lions have lost a legend.
Charlie Sanders, who was one of the first tight ends to establish himself as a threat in the NFL passing game, died on Thursday at the age of 68 after a battle with cancer.
The two-time All-Pro and seven-time Pro Bowl selection ended his career in 1977 with a then-Lions record 336 receptions for 4,817 yards and 31 touchdowns.
He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2007.
Sanders was a third-round pick in the 1968 NFL Draft out of the University of Minnesota. He played his entire pro career with the Lions.
