Former Broncos and Notre Dame lineman Pete Duranko dies after long battle with ALS

[Denver Native (Carol)]

For those who remember Pete:


Former Denver Broncos and Notre Dame defensive lineman Pete Duranko died Friday after a long, brave and public battle with Lou Gehrig 's Disease. Duranko was 67 years old. He died in his hometown of Johnstown, Pa.

In 2000, Duranko was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). After his diagnosis, he became a national spokesman and fund raiser in the fight against the disease.

Duranko attended Johnstown Catholic High School, currently Bishop McCort. In high school, he earned the nickname "Diesel Duranko" for his bruising style as a fullback.

He played defensive end at Notre Dame where he was an All-American on the Fighting Irish's 1966 national championship team. Although he was a lineman, Duranko was a very agile athlete. He wowed his Notre Dame teammates by walking on his hands across the practice field.

Duranko, listed at 6-foot-2, 250 pounds, played defensive end for eight seasons with the Broncos, from 1967-74. Duranko played in 98 games with the Broncos, including 76 starts. He started all 14 games in 1973, helping the Broncos to their first winning season.

http://www.denverpost.com/sports/ci_18446945?source=rss

[OrangeHoof]

I didn't know he had ALS but I do remember him as a Bronco and sorry he had to suffer. ALS is a difficult disease because your muscles just gradually deteriorate and most die because they can no longer physically breathe but, long before that, they lose the use of their limbs, their speech, etc. Near the end, they are still alert of mind but simply unable to move or communicate.