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Fmr. Vikings Linebacker Fred McNeill Dies At 63

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – Long time Vikings linebacker Fred McNeill has died.

McNeill had slowly been slipping away from ALS and was diagnosed with dementia caused by the effects of NFL violence.

He may be best remembered from the Super Bowl at the Rose Bowl Stadium where he became the only player to ever block a Ray Guy punt.

He said his only regret was falling on the ball instead of running it into the end zone.

Oakland ended up winning that game.

Several years back, WCCO's Mark Rosen visited Los Angeles and spent time with McNeill. He said he held no bitterness towards the NFL, but was more concerned for future generations of players.

Fred McNeill was 63 years old.

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