Fred Cox: Vikings kicker and Inventor of Nerf Football dies at 80 (1 Viewer)

[JohnnyU]

I grew up watching him kick.  I thought he was 80 in the early 70s.  Rest in peace Mr. Cox.

"

Kicker Fred Cox, the Minnesota Vikings' all-time leading scorer and the inventor of the Nerf football, died Wednesday at the age of 80, the team announced.

Cox never missed a game in 15 seasons for the Vikings from 1963-77. He finished his career with 1,365 points and led the Vikings in scoring for 11 consecutive seasons. In addition to winning the final NFL Championship Game in 1969, he also went to four Super Bowls with the Vikings -- all losses.

When he retired, he was second in NFL history in scoring behind George Blanda -- who also played quarterback -- and had made 282 field goals.

"The Vikings mourn the loss of Fred Cox, one of our proudest legends and a member of the 50 Greatest Vikings," the team said in a statement. "A respected teammate and friend, Fred's football career as the Vikings all-time leading scorer set the stage for a life where he went on to achieve great things in business and in his community. Fred's positive energy, strength in his faith and passion for life will be missed."

https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/28132640/ex-vikings-kicker-fred-cox-inventor-nerf-football-dies-80

 

[Dizzy]

Barely remember him as a kicker, but we certainly burned through a ton of Nerf Footballs!

RIP Fred, and thank you.

 

[needanap]

I remember his as a kicker, but did not know he invented the nerf football.  The nerf football was huge part of my childhood -- thank you Fred and RIP!

 

[That one guy]

Did the entire Nerf catalog grow from the football or was it an addition to existing company?

 

[Mister CIA]

Deep down, I believe that there exists a persuasive theory which explains our physical universe in terms analogous to a Nerf football.

 

[Hot Diggity Dog]

Best thing about a nerf football was soaking it in water and throwing it at some one.

 

[JohnnyU]

Best thing about a nerf football was soaking it in water and throwing it at some one.

I like to kick field goals with them.