John Mackey (American football)

John Mackey (1941 to 2011) was an American professional football tight end who played for the Baltimore Colts and the San Diego Chargers. Born in Roosevelt, New York, he attended Syracuse University and was drafted in the second round of the 1963 draft. He played ten NFL seasons, was chosen for five Pro Bowls, and became known for his size and speed. In Super Bowl V he caught a record setting 75 yard touchdown pass from Johnny Unitas in a 16 to 13 Colts win. He was the first president of the National Football League Players Association after the AFL-NFL merger, served from 1970 to 1973, and was the lead plaintiff in the case that overturned the Rozelle Rule. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1992, and the 88 Plan for retired players with dementia is named for his jersey number.