(RepublicanDaily.org) – Terry Beasley, one of Auburn’s legendary wide receivers, has passed away at the age of 73.
Police are investigating his death as a possible suicide, after officers who responded to an emergency call at his home in Moody, Alabama found the football icon dead with what looked to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Beasley was known to have suffered from several adverse effects of injuries he sustained while playing football throughout his life. He was part of a class action lawsuit – settled in 2016 – against the NFL over injuries he and many other players sustained during their careers in the league. More than 500 former players were part of the highly complex lawsuit.
The former receiver only played for three seasons in the NFL, from 1972 to 1975, all for the San Francisco 49ers. He was forced to retire early due to the effects his injuries from his years playing football – both in the collegiate and professional levels. By the time he retired, he was reported to have suffered at least 40 to 50 concussions. In 1992, the former college football star was hospitalized for clinical depression and was also suspected to be suffering from schizophrenia. At the time the settlement was announced, Beasley was already 66, and was bedridden most of the time, suffering from constant headaches and pain, and required constant care. He also suffered from memory loss, sleeplessness, as well as anxiety.
Beasley rose to fame, along with Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Pat Sullivan, as receiver for Auburn, holding the record for receiving yards at 2,507, and touchdowns at 29. He played for the Tigers from 1969 to 1971, with his number 88 jersey being only one of three the university has retired. The other two belong to Sullivan (no. 7), and Bo Jackson (no. 34). In 2002, Beasley was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.
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