Charles Frederick “Chuck” Hughes (1943-1971)

Professional Football Player. The only National Football League (NFL) player to collapse and die during a game. Nicknamed "The Abilene Whippet," he was probably the most outstanding football player to play for Texas Western University (now the Univeristy of Texas-El Paso). He earned All-American recognition as a wide receiver and also returned punts and kickoffs. For many years his 347 yards of reception yardage in one game stood as an NCAA record. As a professional, he played for the Philadelphia Eagles and Detroit Lions. He made one of the outstanding catches of the season on Thanksgiving Day 1970 to help the Lions defeat the Oakland Raiders on national television. The following year, he tragically collapsed and died on the field during the fourth quarter of a game at Tiger Stadium against the Chicago Bears. Linebacker Dick Butkus was the first to reach him and who summoned aid.