SAN DIEGO -- Nelson Munsey, who played six seasons for the Baltimore Colts in the 1970s, has died of heart disease. He was 61.
On Wednesday, the Anderson-Ragsdale mortuary confirmed Munsey's death, which was first reported by The Herald-Standard of Uniontown, Pa., on Monday.
A cornerback for the Colts from 1972 to 1977, Munsey had seven interceptions in his final three seasons. In 1975, he started all 14 games for Baltimore, helping the team win the AFC East before losing to the Pittsburgh Steelers in the playoffs.
In the final game of the regular season that year, Munsey picked off a pass by New England's Steve Grogan and returned it 30 yards to seal the Colts' 34-21 victory.
Born on July 2, 1948, Munsey played for Uniontown Area High School before going to the University of Wyoming. He wasn't drafted, but he signed with the Colts as a free agent in 1972.
Munsey's younger brother, Chuck Muncie, finished second to Archie Griffin in Heisman Trophy voting in 1975, then became a star running back in the NFL. Muncie played nine seasons for the New Orleans Saints and San Diego Chargers.
Munsey also is survived by sister Patricia Munsey Russell, ex-wife Vivian Seaborne Munsey and son Morgan M. Munsey
A funeral is scheduled for Saturday at Anderson-Ragsdale.
Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press