Heckert served as Browns GM from '10-12 after a five years as Eagles GMgetty images
Longtime NFL personnel exec TOM HECKERT "passed away Sunday night" at the age of 51, according to Ryan O'Halloran of the DENVER POST. Heckert most recently "worked for the Broncos" from '13-17 before "stepping away to focus on battling amyloidosis, a rare incurable disease described as the buildup of proteins in the heart, kidneys, liver and other organs." The Broncos will "hold a moment of silence to honor Heckert before Saturday’s preseason game" against the Vikings. Heckert "spent 27 years in the NFL" and was the Broncos’ Dir of Pro Personnel from '13-16 and Senior Personnel Adviser in '17. He "spent a combined seven years" as a GM with the Eagles from '06-10 and the Browns from '10-12. Heckert "began his NFL career" as an intern with the Dolphins in '91. Heckert in '01 "began a decade with the Eagles," rising from Dir of Pro Personnel ('01-03) to VP/Pro Personnel ('03-06) to GM (DENVER POST, 8/7). The AP's Arnie Stapleton noted the Eagles "went to the playoffs seven times in Heckert's nine seasons in Philadelphia, winning five NFC East titles, making five appearances in the conference championship and reaching one Super Bowl" (AP, 8/6). ESPN.com's Jeff Legwold noted Heckert "got off to a rocky start with the Broncos when he was arrested" in June '13 and "charged with driving under the influence and careless driving." But Broncos President of Football Operations & GM JOHN ELWAY and President & CEO JOE ELLIS both "stood by Heckert in the months and years that followed as he carved out what Elway has routinely described as an important role with the team" (ESPN.com, 8/6).
