NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL and CFL players that passed away

John Sanders, the beloved Major League Baseball broadcaster whose warm voice and steady presence became part of the soundtrack of American summers for more than three decades, passed away peacefully surrounded by family. He was 83.

Born with a natural storyteller’s gift and a deep love for the game, Sanders built a career that spanned multiple teams, networks, and generations of fans. He was best known for his work with the Cleveland Indians (now Guardians) and the Pittsburgh Pirates, where his clear, inviting play‑by‑play style made him a trusted companion to viewers at home. Before his MLB tenure, Sanders also spent many years as a respected sports anchor and reporter, earning admiration for his professionalism, kindness, and genuine enthusiasm for every story he told.

Sanders’ broadcasting philosophy was simple: make the game accessible, make the players human, and make the audience feel like they were sitting right beside him in the booth. His voice carried excitement without exaggeration, insight without ego, and humor without ever overshadowing the game itself. Fans often remarked that listening to him felt like watching baseball with an old friend.

In 1978, he moved to KDKA-TV in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, as weekend sports anchor. He later became sports director, appearing on the station's 6 and 11 o'clock newscasts. Then, in October 1980, KDKA announced that he would join Pirates broadcast legend Lanny Frattare for televised games during the 1981 season. He continued on the Pirates' broadcast team for nine seasons. In 1991, Sanders moved to Cleveland to do television play-by-play for the Cleveland Indians on FSN Ohio. Following the 2006 season, the team declined to renew his contract.

Condolences to his family and friends and we will forever remember his warmth, his professionalism, and the unmistakable sound of his voice calling a summer night at the ballpark.

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Wesley Brian Gardner, a former Major League pitcher whose eight-season career carried him from Arkansas sandlots to the storied mound at Fenway Park, has passed away as announced by Jay Horwicz on "X". Here is the text of his announcement: "Wes Gardner, who pitched 30 games for the Mets in ‘84 & ‘85, passed away today at 65. Gardner was in the majors for parts of 8 seasons with the Mets, Red Sox, Padres & Royals. After the 1985 season he was part of a 7-player trade in which the Mets acquired Bobby Ojeda from Boston." He was 65 years old. Gardner’s journey through baseball was defined by perseverance, adaptability, and a quiet competitiveness that earned him respect in every clubhouse he entered.

Born April 29, 1961, in Benton, Arkansas, Gardner grew up in a region where baseball was woven into the fabric of community life. His talent blossomed at the University of Central Arkansas, where his strong right arm and durable frame—eventually listed at 6'4" and 197 pounds—caught the attention of professional scouts. The New York Mets selected him in the 22nd round of the 1982 MLB June Amateur Draft, a modest draft position that belied the determination he would bring to the professional ranks .

Gardner made his MLB debut on July 29, 1984, at age 23, delivering a scoreless inning with two strikeouts—a glimpse of the strikeout ability that would become a hallmark of his career . Over two seasons with the Mets, he worked exclusively out of the bullpen, learning the rhythms of big-league life and refining his approach against National League hitters.

Though his early numbers were uneven, Gardner showed flashes of promise, including a 19-strikeout rookie campaign in limited innings. His time in New York also placed him in the orbit of a rising Mets organization that would soon become a powerhouse.

In November 1985, Gardner was part of a multi-player trade that sent him to the Boston Red Sox—a move that would define the prime of his career . Boston gave him opportunities both as a reliever and a starter, and Gardner responded with the best stretch of his professional life.

His 1987 season saw him appear in 49 games, collecting 10 saves and striking out 70 batters in 89.2 innings. But it was 1988 that marked his true breakthrough. Transitioning into a hybrid starter-reliever role, Gardner delivered a 3.50 ERA across 149 innings, winning eight games and posting career highs in strikeouts (106) and innings pitched. That season helped propel the Red Sox to the postseason, where Gardner appeared in the ALCS against the Oakland Athletics .

Gardner’s pitching style blended a lively fastball with a sharp breaking ball, and he was known for attacking hitters with confidence. Over his eight-year career, he logged 466.1 innings, struck out 358 batters, and recorded 14 saves across 189 appearances. His versatility—starting 44 games while finishing 76—made him a valuable asset to every pitching staff he joined .

After five seasons in Boston, Gardner was traded to the San Diego Padres in December 1990. He pitched for both the Padres and the Kansas City Royals during the 1991 season, his final year in the majors. Though injuries and wear began to take their toll, Gardner continued to compete with the same resolve that had carried him from Arkansas to the big leagues.

He leaves behind a legacy of dedication to the game he loved, and he will be remembered fondly by fans in New York, Boston, San Diego, Kansas City, and his home state of Arkansas.

Condolences to his family and friends and may he Rest in Peace.

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Alva Donald “Don” Stallings,a former NFL defensive back and defensive end passed away on June 9th at the age of 87. Born on November 18, 1938, in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, Don lived a life marked by quiet strength, dedication, and a deep love for family, faith, and the game of football.

Growing up in Rocky Mount, Don’s athletic talent became evident early. At Rocky Mount High School, he developed into a formidable presence on the football field, earning the attention of college scouts with his size, discipline, and natural instincts for line play.

Don continued his football journey at the University of North Carolina, where he played for the Tar Heels as a defensive lineman. His 6-foot‑4, 250‑pound frame and versatility allowed him to contribute at multiple positions along the line, traits that would later define his professional career. His time at UNC shaped him not only as an athlete but as a leader—steady, reliable, and respected by teammates and coaches alike.

In 1960, Don achieved what countless young athletes dream of: he was drafted into professional football twice—first by the New York Titans in the AFL Draft and then by the Washington Redskins in the 5th round (52nd overall) of the NFL Draft . He chose the NFL path, joining Washington as a defensive tackle and defensive end.

Don played the 1960 season with the Washington Redskins, appearing in nine games and starting three of them . Though his professional career was brief, he made his mark as a tough, dependable lineman who embraced the physical demands of the sport. He even contributed on special teams, recording a kick return during his lone NFL season—an unusual and memorable footnote for a defensive lineman.

Condolences to his family and friends and may he Rest in Peace.

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Orlando L. Watters, a former Arkansas Razorbacks standout and Seattle Seahawks cornerback, died on June 8, 2026, at the age of 54. Born October 26, 1971, in Anniston, Alabama, Watters rose from a talented high‑school athlete to one of the SEC’s top defensive backs before earning his place in the National Football League. His football journey was defined by speed, instinct, and a relentless drive to compete at the highest level.

Watters made his name at the University of Arkansas, where he developed into one of the conference’s most dynamic defensive backs. His breakout season came in 1993, when he earned First‑Team All‑SEC honors for his playmaking ability and shutdown coverage skills . Known for his quick hips, anticipation, and ability to mirror receivers downfield, he became a cornerstone of the Razorbacks’ secondary. His performance that season placed him among the elite defensive backs in the Southeastern Conference, a league renowned for producing NFL‑caliber talent.

Despite going undrafted in 1994, Watters’ athleticism and college résumé earned him a place with the Seattle Seahawks, who signed him as a rookie cornerback . He made the team out of training camp and appeared during the 1994 season, contributing on defense and special teams. His most memorable moment came early in his rookie year, when his heads‑up play resulted in a touchdown—an effort highlighted in contemporary reporting as “Orlando’s magic,” a nod to his knack for turning opportunities into game‑changing plays Current page.

Though his NFL career was brief, Watters’ journey from Anniston to the SEC to the professional ranks reflected the determination and resilience that defined his life. Reaching the NFL is an achievement attained by only a fraction of college players, and Watters earned that distinction through discipline, speed, and a competitive edge that coaches consistently praised.

Condolences to his family and friends and may he Rest in Peace.

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Thomas Lance Rentzel, a dynamic NFL wide receiver whose speed, versatility, and big‑play ability made him one of the league’s most dangerous offensive weapons of the late 1960s, died on June 7, 2026, at the age of 82. Born October 14, 1943, in Flushing, New York, and raised in Oklahoma City, Rentzel was a four‑sport star at Casady School, excelling in football, basketball, baseball, and track while graduating as valedictorian—a rare blend of athletic and academic excellence .

Rentzel accepted a scholarship to the University of Oklahoma, where he became one of the Sooners’ most versatile offensive threats. As a sophomore, he famously hitchhiked to Texas after coming off the injured list late, catching two long passes—including a 34‑yard touchdown—against the No. 2 Longhorns . By his junior and senior seasons, he had become a complete all‑around halfback: second on the team in rushing, the Sooners’ top pass catcher, their leading punter, and one of the Big Eight’s most productive offensive players. His 5.4 yards per carry in 1964 ranked second in the conference only to Gale Sayers, and he finished top‑three in both receiving and punting that same year—an extraordinary workload for a single player en.wikipedia.org.

Drafted in the second round of the 1965 NFL Draft by the Minnesota Vikings, Rentzel entered the league as a multipurpose offensive weapon and return specialist. As a rookie, he set a franchise record with a 101‑yard kickoff return, a mark that stood for decades until broken in 2007 and again in 2013 . Though injuries limited his early years in Minnesota, his speed and open‑field instincts were unmistakable.

Rentzel’s career transformed after a 1967 trade to the Dallas Cowboys, where he was converted to flanker and immediately became one of the NFL’s premier receivers. In his first season in Dallas, he caught 58 passes for 996 yards, nearly giving the Cowboys two 1,000‑yard receivers alongside Bob Hayes. His 13‑catch, 233‑yard performance against Washington set a franchise record that stood for 40 years, and he scored a crucial touchdown in the legendary Ice Bowl before Green Bay’s final drive reversed the momentum .

From 1967 to 1969, Rentzel was the engine of the Cowboys’ passing attack. He led the team in receiving yards in 1967, 1968, and 1969, surpassing 1,000 yards in back‑to‑back seasons and averaging an explosive 18–22 yards per catch. In 1969, he tied for the NFL lead in total touchdowns (13), cementing his place among the league’s elite playmakers .

Even after off‑field issues interrupted his 1970 season, Rentzel remained a productive receiver, finishing second on the team in both receptions and yards despite missing the final three games. His impact on the Cowboys’ record book endured: he left Dallas ranked fourth all‑time in receiving yards, held the franchise record for most catches in a game, and set the mark for most consecutive 100‑yard receiving games—a record that stood until Michael Irvin broke it in 1995 .

In 1971, Rentzel was traded to the Los Angeles Rams, where he led the team in receptions during his first season and continued to contribute as a reliable veteran target. Though suspensions interrupted his later years, he returned in 1974 and played two postseason games before being waived in 1975, ending a nine‑year NFL career .

Across 115 NFL games, Rentzel recorded 268 receptions for 4,826 yards and 38 receiving touchdowns, along with rushing, return, and even passing contributions—including a perfect passer rating on a 58‑yard touchdown throw. His postseason résumé included 242 receiving yards and two touchdowns in six playoff games, helping Dallas reach multiple deep playoff runs .

Lance Rentzel’s football career was defined by brilliance on the field: a rare combination of speed, route running, and big‑play flair that made him one of the most dangerous receivers of his era. His legacy remains etched in the record books of two franchises and in the memories of fans who witnessed his explosive talent during one of the NFL’s most transformative decades.

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Condolences to his family and friends and may he Rest in Peace.

Ronald Stacey King, a three‑time NBA champion with the Chicago Bulls and one of the most recognizable voices in modern Bulls broadcasting, died on June 7, 2026, at the age of 59. Born January 29, 1967, in Lawton, Oklahoma, King rose from a standout collegiate career to become both an NBA champion and a cherished figure in basketball media.

King first made his mark at the University of Oklahoma, where he played from 1985 to 1989 and became one of the most decorated players in program history. During the 1988–89 season, he helped lead the Sooners to a 30–6 record, a Big Eight Conference title, and a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament. He earned Sporting News Player of the Year, Consensus First‑Team All‑American, Big Eight Player of the Year, and First‑Team All‑Big Eight honors in 1989, cementing himself as one of the nation’s elite collegiate big men.

His dominance at Oklahoma made him a projected top pick in the 1989 NBA Draft, and the Chicago Bulls selected him sixth overall. Entering the league alongside fellow first‑rounders B.J. Armstrong and Jeff Sanders, King joined a franchise on the cusp of a dynasty.

From 1989 to 1994, King played a key role for the Bulls as a power forward/center, providing size, scoring, and depth during the team’s first championship three‑peat. He won three consecutive NBA titles from 1991 to 1993, contributing as a reliable rotation big man behind stars like Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, and Horace Grant. He also earned NBA All‑Rookie Second Team honors in 1990.

Midway through the 1993–94 season, King was traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves for Luc Longley, marking the end of his Chicago tenure. He later played for the Miami Heat, Boston Celtics, and Dallas Mavericks, along with international and CBA teams including Arese Basket, Antalya Büyükşehir Belediyesi, Grand Rapids Hoops, Sioux Falls Skyforce, and Atenas de Córdoba. His professional playing career spanned a full decade, concluding in 1999.

Across his NBA career, King appeared in over 400 games, scoring 2,819 points (6.4 ppg), grabbing 1,460 rebounds (3.3 rpg), and blocking 210 shots. His combination of size, touch, and personality made him a memorable figure on every roster he joined.

After retiring from playing, King transitioned into coaching, serving as head coach of the Rockford Lightning and later the Sioux Falls Skyforce in the early 2000s. But his most enduring post‑playing legacy came in broadcasting. Beginning in the 2006–07 season, King became a color commentator for Chicago Bulls television broadcasts, eventually becoming the franchise’s signature voice for nearly two decades. His humor, catchphrases, and deep understanding of the game endeared him to generations of fans.

Stacey King’s life in basketball was defined by excellence, adaptability, and charisma. From his dominance at Oklahoma to his role in the Bulls dynasty to his beloved second career behind the microphone, he left an indelible mark on the sport. His voice, his personality, and his championship legacy will be remembered by fans, teammates, and colleagues across the basketball world.

Special thanks to Scott Smith, N FL and Kareem Haywood for their notification of King's passing it is greatly appreciated.

Condolences to his family and friends and may he Rest in Peace.

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