Former Dallas Cowboys star wide receiver Lance Rentzel of Flushing, New York passed away at the age of 82 on Sunday according to Ryan Giancola of Yahoo! Sports on Wednesday. Rentzel came from the American city that is known for hosting the United States Open in tennis on an annual basis.
Rentzel played nine seasons in the National Football League with three franchises. He was with the Minnesota Vikings for two seasons (1965 and 1966), the Dallas Cowboys for four seasons (1967 to 1970), and the Los Angeles Rams for three seasons (1971, 1972, and 1974).
Statistically, Rentzel had 268 catches for 4826 receiving yards and 38 touchdown catches. He also had 26 rushes for 196 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns. The first rushing touchdown came on October 3, 1971. It was a 50 yard rush to complete the scoring in a 17-3 Rams win over the Chicago Bears. The second rushing touchdown was for nine yards and came in a 45-17 Rams loss to the Oakland Raiders in a battle of California on October 29, 1972.
On the field, Rentzel is best known for leading the NFL in touchdown catches (12) in 1969. He also led the NFL that season in yards per reception with 22.3.
Rentzel played multiple positions in the NFL. He began his career as a split end with the Vikings, and then was a flanker with the Cowboys, before being a wide receiver in his final five NFL seasons.
Throughout his career, Rentzel experienced legal trouble. He was suspended during the 1973 season because of conduct detrimental to the NFL. According to the Associated Press, Rentzel was convicted for marijuana possession and indecent exposure.
