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Former 9-Year NFL Veteran Dead At 86

Originally posted on The Spun | By Andrew Gould | Last updated Jul 15, 2025 5:56 PM ET

Roger Shoals, a former NFL offensive lineman, died at age 86.

Shoals passed away peacefully on June 30. According to the Philadelphia Inquirer's Gary Miles, he died of complications from pneumonia.

Maryland football grieved the former Terrapins standout's death last week.

"The Maryland football family mourns the passing of Roger Shoals, who was an All-American and All-ACC selection for the Terps during his career in College Park from 1960-62," the school wrote on social media. "Our thoughts are with the entire Shoals family."

Shoals played 104 games for three teams over nine NFL seasons. He began his career with the Cleveland Browns, who selected him in the 16th round of the 1961 NFL Draft.

During the 1964 season, Shoals was a key contributor to a Browns offensive line that steered Jim Brown to a league-leading 1,446 rushing yards in 14 games. Cleveland won its last NFL championship that year.

Shoals started 56 of 74 games for the Detroit Lions from 1965 to 1970 and finished his career with the Denver Broncos. Shoals then spent 30 years working at a paper company before becoming part-owner of a car dealership.

An online tribute written by a friend celebrated Shoals' "spirit for hard work and success."

"He navigated life with enthusiasm, fun, laughter, and hard work," the tribute said. "Roger had a big heart and a generous spirit. Every time I was with him I always felt how lucky I was to know him, and be one of his many friends."

Our thoughts go out to Shoals' loved ones for their loss.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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