PALOS HEIGHTS, Ill. -- Former Chicago Bears defensive end Ed Sprinkle has died at the age of 90.
Sprinkle's daughter, Susan Withers, says her father died July 28 in the Chicago suburb of Palos Heights. Sprinkle played for the Bears from 1944 to 1955 under coach George Halas, including the 1946 championship team. Sprinkle was elected to the Chicago Sports Hall of Fame in 1984.
Just 200 pounds, Sprinkle was labeled the "meanest man" in football in a Collier's magazine article in 1950 and he was nicknamed "The Claw" for using his forearm to deliver blows to opponents.
Sprinkle went into the carpeting and tile business after his football career. He also owned a bowling alley. He stayed active with the NFL, playing in charity golf outings. Sprinkle served with the U.S. Navy.
Copyright 2014 by The Associated Press
