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I guess you have to be a bit of an old guy to remember Fred, one of the last straight on kickers. I remember the soccer style was just coming into the league when he was getting near the end of his career, probably Jan Stenerud was one of the first. Fred was accurate but not much distance, he wouldn't make a team today of course, I don't think his kick offs could make the end zone, and it's normal now of course to be well into the end zone or through it. Did not know he was the inventor of the nerf football, great idea.

https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/281 ... ll-dies-80

I knew that years ago. It pissed me off that he played so long. Grant use to keep players around even when their skills slipped big time. He was a players coach indeed. Even Krause played forever. He would line up so deep it was laughable at the end of his career. Almost looked like a punt returner position not FS. But it gave guys more time for the salary/pension I think. In the grand scheme that was more important.

I just found out about this and it hurts.

Man was one if the best kickers of his era and at the time was so reliable. Rest in Peace Fred. Valhalla has a spot for you.