Leon Clarke, Rams, Browns, and Vikings Receiver
October 10th, 2009 | Published in Player Deaths | 3 Comments
Leon Clarke, a receiver for the Rams, Browns, and Vikings from 1956 to 1963, died on October 5th. He was selected to the Pro Bowl in 1956, his rookie season with the Rams. Clarke played college ball at USC, and he was a member of the Trojans’ 1955 Rose Bowl team. His obituary in the Los Angeles Times has a nice photo of Clarke in his college all-star uniform.
Pictured here is Clarke’s 1959 Bell Brand Rams card. He also appeared on a 1961 National City Bank Browns card.
October 10th, 2009 at 11:46 AM (#)
Greetings to all of Leon’s fans. Leon is my father. He had three sons. I was the oldest, and remember going to his games in Cleveland and Minneapolis. Coming from California, the four seasons were quite a shock. He prevailed and played three seasons for the Browns and one for the Vikings, only to retire because of an Achilles injury.
He always found time to help develop youth, weather with the Cub Scouts or Junior All American Football as an end coach. We will all miss him, but are aware that he lived a fast life full of unusual experiences.
Recently one of my officiating colleagues gave me one of his football cards. I gave it to him and he was surprised by its existence.
October 10th, 2009 at 12:09 PM (#)
Hi Christopher, thank you for the comment. It’s great to hear about your father’s devotion to young people. My condolences; I hope everything is going as well as it can this week.
June 30th, 2012 at 11:47 PM (#)
Chris,
A very late comment but still heartfelt. I’m sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. I still have great memories of when you and I stayed with him the week of the 1977 Rose Bowl. He was a gentle giant and a great host.
Best Regards
Jim