Long-time NFL executive Floyd Reese, who spent the final four years of his career with the New England Patriots, has died. He was 73 years old.
According to ESPN 102.5 The Game in Nashville, where Reese worked as a talk show host until last year, he passed away “peacefully this morning, surrounded by his family, after a battle with cancer.”
Reese spent a total of 36 seasons in the NFL, including four with the Patriots. He arrived in New England as a senior football advisor in January 2009, after long-time vice president of player personnel Scott Pioli left for Kansas City. He remained with the franchise for four years — representing the club in contract negotiations, among other duties — before deciding to leave at the end of his contract.
Before his stint with the Patriots, Reese spent considerable time with the Houston Oilers/Tennessee Titans. He joined the organization as its linebackers coach in 1986, before transitioning into a front office role: Reese served as assistant general manager between 1990 and 1993 before taking over the GM title in 1994. He remained atop the team even through its move to Tennessee.
When he resigned after the 2006 season, Reese had amassed the most wins of any general manager in Oilers/Titans history — a record that stands to this day.
“I’m saddened to hear about the passing of Floyd Reese and my heartfelt condolences go out to Ms. Sally, the family, and all that were close to him,” current Titans GM Jon Robinson, who worked alongside Reese in New England, said in a statement.
“He was a great man. He loved his family, he loved football, and he loved the Titans. I learned a lot from him, he was always willing to listen, and he wanted to pass on his knowledge of the game to me and so many others. I’m forever grateful that I could call him a friend. Thank you for everything Floyd, I’ll see you again someday!”