Don Maynard, wide receiver for the New York Jets, passed away at 86. The legend won the third edition of the Super Bowl with the Jets, alongside legendary quarterback Joe Namath. According to his son, the NFL legend died because of several health complications, including dementia.

Hall of Fame WR and NFL legend Don Maynard dies at 86

Maynard entered the NFL in 1958 as a halfback. With time, the man from Texas Western College rose to prominence as an effective offensive player. Shockingly, he even showed up for practice in cowboy boots and typical Western attire, to the shock of his New York Giants teammates.

He did not get many opportunities to play for the Giants, causing him to move to the lesser known franchise out of New York. In 1960, he joined the Jets, who were formerly known as the New York Titans, before the subsequent change in name. During his stint there, he entered the AFL All-Star team, similar to the AFC Pro Bowl squad. He also holds a place in the AFL All-Time All-Star team.

Maynard cemented his legacy as an NFL legend when he lifted the Super Bowl in 1969 with the Jets. Although this win came eleven years into the start of his career, Maynard became one of the most talked about athletes in the sport of pro football. He retired from the sport in 1974 and took up teaching jobs in hometown.

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Maynard entered the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1987, making him the second Jets player to enter the esteemed category after Joe Namath. He is survived by his wife, Anna, children, Scot and Terry, and five grandchildren. We offer our condolences to the entire Maynard family, along with the Jets’ organization.

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