John Brockington, among the NFL’s top running backs in the early 1970s, died Friday, March 31, 2023, in San Diego. He was 74.

Following a brilliant career at Ohio State, the Brooklyn, N.Y., native was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in 1971 with the ninth overall pick.

He then became the first running back in NFL history to rush for more than 1,000 yards in each of his first three seasons – 1,105 in ’71, 1,027 in ’72 and 1,144 in ’73.

That was all in 14-game seasons.

Mr. Brockington was NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year in ’71 and was a three-time All-Pro selection.

For his career (including one season with Kansas City), Mr. Brockington ran for 5,024 yards and 29 touchdowns. He also caught passes for another 1,297 yards and four more TDs.

In 2002, Mr. Brockington underwent a kidney transplant. That led to his formation of the John Brockington Foundation to assist patients with kidney illness.

Mr. Brockington was selected to the Packers' Hall of Fame in 1984.