Former Denver Broncos linebacker John Huard died at age 80 last week, the team confirmed on Monday evening.
After playing college football at Maine, Huard was picked by the Broncos in the fifth round of the 1967 NFL/AFL draft. He started 41 of a possible 42 games in his first three seasons in Denver, totaling six interceptions (tackles and sacks were not tracked as stats during that era).
After a knee injury sidelined him for the 1970 season, Huard joined the New Orleans Saints in 1971. After two seasons in New Orleans, he spent time with the New England Patriots before joining the CFL’s Montreal Alouettes in 1972. Following two seasons in Canada, Huard transitioned to coaching.
We’re saddened to hear of the passing of former Broncos LB John Huard, who played in Denver from 1967-1969.
📰 » https://t.co/cMNF54Lzzn pic.twitter.com/9vaQlIn19g
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) February 4, 2025
He returned to his alma mater as an offensive line coach in 1974 before later coaching at a Canadian college, in the USFL, at the Maine Maritime Academy and in the CFL. His final season as a coach was with the Toronto Argonauts in 2000.
