Former Detroit Lions cornerback James Hunter died Monday from an apparent heart attack. He was 56.
"James Hunter shall always be remembered as a consummate pro -- on and off the field," team president Tom Lewand said in a statement. "He made a significant impact on the field, in the community, as a businessman, as a business partner with the Lions in recent years, and as a husband and father. On behalf of the William Clay Ford family and the entire Lions' organization, I extend deepest sympathies to James' wife Emmalene, son Javin and their family."
Detroit drafted him with the 10th pick overall in 1976. Nicknamed "Hound Dog" for his long-striding running ability, he had a career-high seven interceptions in his debut season and was NFL Rookie of the Year runner-up behind future Hall of Famer Mike Haynes. He shifted to left cornerback in 1977 playing alongside another future Pro Football Hall of Famer, Lem Barney.
"He was a great athlete and a great guy," said Barney, who helped mentor Hunter when he came to the Lions. "I thought I had a lot of energy until I met James. He was always upbeat; always had an encouraging word. He will be sorely missed."
Hunter led the Lions in interceptions in three of his seven seasons with the team and had 27 in his career, which ended because of a neck injury in 1982. He began working for Anheuser-Busch in 1985.
Hunter, who was from Silsbee, Texas, played for coach Eddie Robinson at Grambling State.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
