Ed Flanagan, a member of the Detroit Lions’ All-Time Team, died May 10. He was 79.
The team announced Flanagan’s death Wednesday.
According to published reports, Flanagan had been admitted to a hospital with heart problems on May 8.
Today the Detroit Lions mourn the passing of Ed Flanagan.
A member of the Detroit Lions All-Time Team, Flanagan appeared in 139 games (139 starts) for the Lions from 1965-74 and was a four-time Pro Bowl selection. pic.twitter.com/BN9hKBbcVN
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) May 10, 2023
Drafted in the fifth round out of Purdue in 1965, the center played 10 seasons for the Lions. Flanagan finished his career with two years for the San Diego Chargers. In those days, even the best players had to hold off-season jobs, and Flanagan had the perfect job for a Detroit player, working in the automotive industry.
After retiring, Flanagan coached in the USFL, Arena Football, and Indoor Football leagues.
Flanagan engaged in some classic battles with two of the best linebackers in NFL history in his own division, Dick Butkus of the Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers middle linebacker Ray Nitschke.
“Butkus was always my biggest challenge,” Flanagan said in a 2003 interview (via MLive.com). “I liked to hit Butkus. You had to hit him in the middle. He would hand-fight you if you came in too low. The NFL had some great linebackers in those years.”
The NFL world and fans paid tribute to the Lions great on social media. Many of the fans’ memories involved positive off-field encounters with Flanagan.
I remember as a 12 year old kid at a wings game and Flanagan and Herb Orvis were sitting behind myself and my dad. They were so gracious and answered every stupid question I asked them. RIP Ed
— Greg Fallon (@hidingerg) May 11, 2023
Since the football center is an extremely underrated position players like Flanagan are forgotten solid center hall of very good
— Raymond Stern (@RaymondStern4) May 10, 2023
He also appeared in my family living room to meet an 8 year old boy and my 10 year old brother while trying to sell my dad some steel during the offseason. Very nice guy.
— Michael Lewis (@malewie) May 10, 2023
RIP Ed. Lion fans of that era remember you well..!!!
— Dr Pablo (@PaulCro06297351) May 10, 2023
This Purple People-eater fan has mad respect for this guy. To fight it out for so long outside in Detroit, Chicago, Green Bay and Minneapolis takes guts. Rest well warrior of the black and blue division. @Vikings
— Beth Welty (@beenorwee) May 11, 2023
His battles with Butkus and Nietschke were legendary.
— Tom Polker (@polkerman) May 10, 2023
About Arthur Weinstein
Arthur spends his free time traveling around the U.S. to sporting events, state and national parks, and in search of great restaurants off the beaten path.