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Lions Hall of Famer Charlie Sanders dies at 68

Posted at 8:23 PM, Jul 02, 2015
and last updated 2015-07-02 20:23:53-04

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.