Eaton was a two-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year. Focus on Sport/Getty Images

Utah Jazz legend Mark Eaton dies at 64

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Grey Papke | Last updated 5/29/21

Former Utah Jazz All-Star Mark Eaton died suddenly at the age of 64.

Eaton, a two-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year, went for a bike ride Friday evening in Summit County, Utah, at around 8 p.m. and did not return home, according to Cristina Flores and David James of KUTV. A cause of death is not yet known, but no foul play is suspected.

Eaton’s death came as a total shock. Bob Nightengale of USA Today reported that he was just in Chicago on Tuesday to watch umpire Joe West break baseball’s record for most games umpired of all time.

Absolutely stunning and heartbreaking: Former NBA All-Star Mark Eaton, who was just in Chicago to watch umpire Joe West's record-breaking game on Tuesday and attended his reception Wednesday, has died at the age of 64.

— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) May 29, 2021

Eaton played center for the Jazz from 1982-1993. He led the NBA in blocked shots per game four times, including a career-best mark of 5.6 blocks per game in 1984-85. His No. 53 has been retired by the team. After his retirement, he served as an occasional TV commentator for the Jazz, and he was also a motivational speaker.

Younger NBA fans may remember Eaton best for his role in helping Utah’s Jeremy Evans win the 2013 Slam Dunk contest.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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