Richard Sligh was an American football player who played for the Oakland Raiders in the 1960s. He was the tallest player in professional American football history, standing at 7 feet tall. He was also a part of the Raiders team that won the AFL championship in 1967 and played in Super Bowl II. But how did he die and what was his cause of death?
Early Life and Football Career
Richard Ellis Sligh was born on August 18, 1944 in Newberry, South Carolina. He attended Gallman High School, where he excelled in both academics and athletics. He was on the Dean’s List, had a Biology Major and Chemistry Minor, and played basketball and football. He received a scholarship to attend North Carolina Central University, where he continued to play football as a defensive tackle from 1962 to 1966.
In 1967, he was drafted by the Oakland Raiders in the 10th round of the NFL/AFL Draft. He was taken ahead of some notable players such as Preston Pearson, Leroy Mitchell, and Randy Rasmussen. He played in eight games for the Raiders in 1967, mostly as a reserve. He was part of the Raiders team that won the AFL championship that year and faced the Green Bay Packers in Super Bowl II. However, the Raiders lost to the Packers 33-14.
In 1968, he was selected by the expansion Cincinnati Bengals in the AFL Allocation Draft, but he was waived before the regular season started. He did not play for any other professional team after that.
Height and Legacy
At 7 feet tall, Sligh is the tallest player in professional American football history. The next tallest are Matt O’Donnell at 6 ft 11 in, Morris Stroud at 6 ft 10 in, and Dan Skipper at 6 ft 10 in. Sligh’s height made him a unique and memorable figure in the sport. He was featured in several books and articles that highlighted his extraordinary stature and his football career.
Sligh is also remembered as a pioneer and a role model for African American athletes. He was one of the first black players to play for the Raiders, a team that was known for its diversity and inclusion. He also played at a historically black college, North Carolina Central University, where he received a quality education and honed his football skills.
Death and Cause of Death
Sligh passed away on December 23, 1998 at the age of 54. He died in Roxboro, North Carolina, where he had moved after his football career ended. According to Wikipedia, his cause of death is unknown. However, according to another source, he died after a short illness. He was surrounded by his family when he died.
Sligh is survived by his wife, two sons, two daughters, two brothers, two sisters, and several grandchildren. He is buried at Person Memorial Cemetery in Roxboro.
Sligh’s death was mourned by his former teammates, coaches, friends, and fans. He was honored by his alma mater, North Carolina Central University, where his jersey number 73 was retired. He was also inducted into the NCCU Athletics Hall of Fame in 2009.
Sligh’s life and legacy are an inspiration to many people who aspire to achieve their dreams despite their challenges. He proved that height is not a limitation but an advantage in football and in life. He will always be remembered as the tallest NFL player ever and as a champion on and off the field.
