San Diego Chargers Hall of Famer Earl Faison Dies at 77

San Diego, CA — Earl Faison, an original member of the San Diego Chargers' "Fearsome Foursome" defensive line, has died. 

He was 77, according to a statement Monday from the NFL Team. 

"... Earl was an integral part of the Chargers’ dominance in the team’s early years, helping lead the team to two American Football League championship games and winning the AFL title in 1963," said Dean Spano, chairman of the San Diego Chargers. "His post-football career as an educator is just as accomplished. He will be missed."

The Chargers did not announce a cause of death for Faison, who later in life served as a football coach and principal at Lincoln High School in San Diego.

Faison was the Chargers' first selection in the 1961 American Football League draft and would stay with the Bolts until 1966, according to the team statement.

 "I had the privilege of getting to know Earl through the years," Spanos continued. "He was a consummate gentleman with a booming voice and laugh.  His passion for the Chargers and the game of football was unwavering."

The 6-foot-5-inch, 260-pound defensive end from Indiana University was named Rookie of the Year and the Chargers Most Valuable Player in his first season. 

Faison was also selected to play in the AFL All Star Game his rookie year, marking the first of five straight appearances. He was named the game’s defensive MVP in 1963, and was a four-time All-AFL selection (1961; 63-65) and a second-team All-AFL pick in 1962.

Faison was considered one of the AFL's elite pass rushers during his career. He also recorded five interceptions and two touchdowns, which was especially rare for a defensive lineman during that time. As a result, the Chargers inducted Faison into the team’s Hall of Fame in 1986, becoming the 12th member of the elusive ring of honor.

Funeral arrangements were pending Monday for the Charger great who was nicknamed "tree" for being strong, sturdy and outstanding in all phases of defense. 

"On behalf of the Spanos family and the entire Chargers organization, we’d like to express our deepest sympathies to the Faison family," Spanos said.

(Image via Chargers.com)