Russ Francis, former Patriots, 49ers tight end, killed in plane crash

Former Pro Bowl tight end Russ Francis, who starred for the New England Patriots and San Francisco 49ers died in a plane crash in upstate New York on Sunday.

The Patriots confirmed Francis' death on social media Monday morning, calling it "sudden and tragic."

He was 70.

According to the Adirondack Daily Enterprise, Francis and another man were killed when their plane attempted to return to the Lake Placid Airport due to an emergency shortly after takeoff.

A first-round draft pick (16th overall) by New England in 1975 out of Oregon, Francis started immediately as a rookie. He then went to three consecutive Pro Bowls from 1976-78, as members of the media – in particular ABC's Howard Cosell – began regularly referring to him as "All-World" tight end Russ Francis.

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After the 1980 season, Francis retired at the age of 27 after six seasons with the Patriots, but he returned after sitting out for one year. He spent six seasons with the 49ers and won a Super Bowl ring before going back to New England to close out his career.

He finished with 393 receptions for 5,262 yards and 40 touchdowns.