Former All-Pro cornerback Pat Fischer dies at age 84

Pat Fischer, an All-Pro cornerback who was chosen three times for the Pro Bowl during his 17-year NFL career with St. Louis and Washington, has died. He was 84.

A Washington Commanders spokesperson said Tuesday the family informed the team of Fischer’s death. A cause of death was not immediately available.

Fischer played in the league from 1961-77, was first-team All-Pro in 1964 and was picked for the Pro Bowl in ‘64, ’65 and '69. His spent his first seven years with the St. Louis Cardinals and his final 10 with Washington, making 57 interceptions in 220 regular-season and playoff games.

Before that, he played safety, tailback and quarterback at Nebraska, roughly a two-hour drive from where he grew up in St. Edward closer to the center of the state. A 17th-round pick of the Cardinals out of college, 232nd overall, Fischer is one of the players in Washington's ring of fame.

Commanders coach Dan Quinn opened his news conference Wednesday by talking about Fischer, an undersized defensive back at 5-foot-9 and 170 pounds who lasted longer than his draft status would have suggested.

“That is a true competitor and a ballhawk,” Quinn said. “If you ever want to talk about competing and what it would probably look like, a pretty amazing career.”

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Stephen Whyno, The Associated Press