Former AFLer, U.S. Rep. Jack Kemp Passes Away At The Age Of 73

Kemp Had Served As AFL Players Union Founder & President

MAKING A MARK: ESPN.com's Gregg Easterbrook wrote of Kemp, "His were two singular achievements: First, to accomplish more after leaving athletics than he had before; second, to join that small fraternity of sports stars who have gone on to significant careers in serious pursuits." Kemp's accomplishments after his football career "rank with anyone in sports lore," as most star athletes "spend their second act signing autographs and waving to fans." The "real work of Kemp's life began when he put the football down" (ESPN.com, 5/3). SI.com's Peter King wrote Kemp was the "first great player in Bills history, a true patriot in Washington, and a good man who loved the NFL." Kemp was a "beacon for the men who played the game who sought to be all-around people, not just good football players," and "he'll be missed" (SI.com, 5/3). In DC, Dan Daly writes, "JOE NAMATH gave the AFL credibility by leading the Jets to a Super Bowl upset of the NFL's Colts, but Kemp was part of the construction crew that poured the foundation" (WASHINGTON TIMES, 5/4). Kemp played for the Chargers from '60-62, and served as an Editorial Assistant to San Diego Union Editor HERB KLEIN during that time. Chargers President & CEO DEAN SPANOS in a statement said: "Jack was a special, special person. He made a positive impact on everything he touched: on the country, on pro football and, most important to me, on my entire family" (CHARGERS.com, 5/3).

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