NFL All-Pro Player Pat Fischer Dead at 84

Pat Fischer, the two-time All-Pro cornerback who spent nearly two decades in the NFL, has died at the age of 84.

A spokesperson for the Washington Commanders confirmed his passing in a statement to The Associated Press . Fischer spent nearly a decade with the Washington football team, then named the Redskins, between 1968 and 1977. A cause of death hasn't been confirmed.

Fischer first rose to stardom as a college football player for the University of Nebraska. In 1961, he was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals and got his first first-team All-Pro honor in 1964. He was a part of the Cardinals' Pro Bowl team in 1964 and 1965.

He joined the Washington Redskins in 1968 and went on to play for the team in the Pro Bowl the following year, marking his third Pro Bowl appearance and second overall first-team All-Pro honor. He retired from the league in 1977 after nearly two decades in the NFL. By the time he hung up his helmet, he made 57 interceptions in 220 regular-season and playoff games.

Fischer's health had been declining in recent years. According to The Washington Post , he was diagnosed with dementia around 2011 and was part of a group of players who brought a class-action lawsuit against the NFL regarding concussion safety. He was residing in an assisted living facility and suffering from dementia, cognitive decline, severe memory loss, and reportedly CTE before he died.

"We mourn the loss of Ring of Fame member and former All-Pro cornerback Pat Fischer," the Washington Commanders wrote on social media following his passing. "Sending our heartfelt condolences to Fischer’s family and loved ones."