Eddie LeBaron dies at 85

STOCKTON, Calif. -

College Football Hall of Famer, former NFL quarterback and war hero Eddie LeBaron Jr. has died. He was 85.

The University of Pacific said LeBaron died of natural causes yesterday.

LeBaron played at Pacific for coach Amos Alonzo Stagg and helped lead the Tigers to an undefeated season in 1949.

He later served as a U.S. Marine in the Korean War and was awarded the Purple Heart and Bronze Star for heroism.

The 5-7, 160-pound LeBaron was a 10th-round draft pick in 1950 and, after serving in the military, played 11 seasons in the NFL for Washington (1952-53, 1955-59) and Dallas (1960-63). (He spent 1954 playing in Canada.) He threw for 13,399 yards and 104 touchdowns and was selected to four Pro Bowls. He was the rookie of the year in 1952 and is a member of Washington's Ring of Fame.

In the midst of his playing career, LeBaron earned his law degree in 1959 and spent some time working as a lawyer. He went on to become a broadcaster for CBS and later served as general manager for the Atlanta Falcons from 1977 to 1982 and was the league's Executive of the Year in 1980. He also served on the NFL's Competition Committee.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Doralee, sons Edward "Wayne" III, Richard and William, and five grandchildren.