Former Texas A&M linebacker Ed Simonini dies at 65

COLLEGE STATION - One of the best defenders in Texas A&M football history has passed away. Former linebacker Ed Simonini died following a long battle with cancer. He was 65 at the time of his passing.

A three-year starter for the Aggies, Simonini led the Aggies defense to NCAA leading numbers in run defense and total defense, allowing an average of 9.5 points per game during the 1975 season. He also was a consensus All-American and Lombardi Award finalist.

Drafted by the Baltimore Colts following his career in College Station, Simonini would play seven seasons in the NFL with the Colts and New Orleans Saints. He'd lead the Colts in tackles for four straight seasons (1977-80).

Last Thursday Simonini was named to the 2019 SEC Football Legends Class as the Texas A&M representative. He will be posthumously honored at the SEC Championship game in December. Simonini is survived by his wife, Karen, their two children, Anna and Nick, and grandson, Storm.

Simonini still holds the record for most tackles by a freshman with 98 stops during the 1972 season. He ranks fourth all-time in school history with 425 tackles.