He became the first NFL rushing back to amass more than 1,000 yards in each of his first three seasons in 1973 when he ran for 1,144 yards.
John Brockington in 1972 at the New Orleans Saints’ N.F.L. season finale. Born in Brooklyn, he was crowned N.F.L. offensive rookie of the year in his inaugural season with the Packers and was honored to be chosen an All-Pro.Give credit…Ross Lewis via Getty Images
Fourth on the Green Bay Packers’ all-time running chart, John Brockington was a former All-Pro fullback who passed away in San Diego on Friday. He was seventy-four.
The Packers declared the death, but they gave no explanation for it.
Between 1971 and 1977, when he was a member of the Packers, Brockington ran for 5,024 yards. Ahman Green (8,322 yards from 2000 to 2009), Jim Taylor (8,207 yards from 1958 to 1966), and Aaron Jones (5,284 yards from 2017 to the present) are the only players from Green Bay to have gained more yards rushing.
Brockington was born in Brooklyn on Sept. 7, 1948, and attended the Ohio State University. The Packers selected him with the ninth overall pick in the 1971 draft. In his final season at Ohio State, he rushed for 1,142 yards and 17 touchdowns.
In his first season with the Packers, Brockington rushed for 1,105 yards, which at the time was a National Football League rookie record. He earned All-Pro honors and was named N.F.L. offensive rookie of the year.
