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Brad Van Pelt dies suddenly

Wednesday, February 18, 2009 10:36 AM EST

Brad Van Pelt

OWOSSO - Brad Van Pelt, the greatest athlete in the history of Owosso High School, died Tuesday night of an apparent massive heart attack. He was 57 years old.

A 1969 graduate of Owosso High, Van Pelt was an All-State football quarterback, basketball forward and baseball player for the Trojans. He also lettered in track. His famous No. 10 jersey was retired in 1979, the only athlete in Owosso history so honored.

Recruited by Hugh “Duffy” Daugherty to play football for Michigan State University, Van Pelt twice earned All-American honors for the Spartans as a defensive back. He was presented the Maxwell Award as college football's best defensive player in 1972.

Van Pelt also played basketball and baseball at MSU, becoming an extremely rare three-sport collegiate athlete.

Drafted by the Chicago White Sox for his pitching prowess and the New York Giants for his multiple football skills. Van Pelt chose the NFL. He was named an All-Pro linebacker five times during his 1973-83 career with the Giants. Van Pelt also played professionally with the Los Angeles Raiders and the Cleveland Browns.

Van Pelt was a second-round draft pick by the Giants in 1973 (40th overall). He played 14 years in the National Football League and was a five-time Pro Bowler for the Giants, making the All-Pro team from 1976-80.

Van Pelt was an Associated Press All-Pro in 1976. He was UPI and Pro Football Weekly All-Pro in 1977 and repeated as a UPI selection in 1978 and '79. He was second-team UPI All-Pro in 1980. The Sporting News selected him to its first team in 1978 and '79.

The outside linebacker had 20 career NFL interceptions and recovered 14 fumbles. He played 11 seasons for the Giants before heading to the Raiders for the 1984 and '85 seasons. He completed his career with the Cleveland Browns in 1986.

Van Pelt was named to the Michigan State University Hall of Fame in 2000, the College Football Hall of Fame in 2001, the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame in 2002 and the Owosso High School Wall of Honor in 2003. He was nominated for the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2005.

Van Pelt had four sons: Bradlee, Bret, Brian and the late Justen Van Pelt, who died June 7, 2001.

Funeral arrangements are pending.

Comment on this Story

Dave Wagner wrote on Sep 14, 2009 12:38 PM:

" Jeez, I certainly remember Brad, and followed his carrer off and on throughout the years. A very sad loss for the community. I pray for his family, and friends for comfort during these trying times. "

L.M. O.H.S.71 wrote on Feb 22, 2009 2:40 PM:

" My sympathy to the VanPelt family. Have some really funny memories with Brad...a great guy. "

Tony Dragona wrote on Feb 22, 2009 11:29 AM:

" I had the great opportunity to meet Brad in the early 1980's when he played for the NY Giants, he spoke at the High School where I worked and he became a friend and fan of our annual Thanksgiving game rivalry. Twenty years later we met again and have communicated since. He was certainly an inspiration to all who met him. His love for his family and respect for his brothers was apparent in our conversations. He will be missed. Rest in Peace. "

Michael Timothy wrote on Feb 21, 2009 8:39 AM:

" Mr. Van Pelt was an idol of mine because in 1974 when I was ten he worked a football camp with a friend of his Brian McConnell. I spent a few days with with Mr. Van Pelt and he was such a warm and kind hearted person; always encouraging me and giving me advice to work hard and never give up. I followed his career with the Giants and he was always my favorite athlete growing up. Whenever I see an athlete wearing number 10 I think of him. Its funny here I am 30 plus years later and I still cherish those days as a young boy. I know he would never remember me and that doesnt matter. I just wanted to share with you how thankful I am that I met him and that he did inspire a ten year old to play outside linebacker through grade school and high school.
My thoughts and prayers to Van Pelt family!
God Bless! "

Terry Eddy wrote on Feb 21, 2009 1:42 AM:

" Still in shock! Such a great loss. There are no words to describe how I'm feeling. Deepest sympathies to all the VanPelt family. "

Regina wrote on Feb 20, 2009 9:53 PM:

" God speed "

Dave Isham wrote on Feb 20, 2009 4:34 PM:

" My sincere condolences to the Van Pelt Family. Although I never met him,he truely inspired sports in Shiawassee County, and had I the opportunity to watch a amazing athlete. May God Bless Your Family. "

Sheryl Newman-Bradac wrote on Feb 20, 2009 11:59 AM:

" I am a 1970 H.S. graduate and send my condolences from TN where by the way Brad was spoken of fondly here in the news. "

Barb Marsh Wheeler wrote on Feb 20, 2009 12:42 AM:

" Owosso lost a legend this week. If you didn't know Brad I am sorry cause you missed. To the rest of us who did know him it was a great joy. Brad was a grade under me, but knew him from Emerson School to High School. Brad and I would practice running relays on the play ground at Emerson for field meets. And would water ski, with him, on Higgins Lake. Very proud to know Brad and he will never be forgotten. "

Patrick Snow wrote on Feb 19, 2009 11:50 PM:

" Brad's brother Rob was my high school football and basketball coach. He and Bill McCarrick were two of the biggest mentors of my life. I will never forget the pro game that Rob and Toby took me to in Cleveland back in '86 to see Brad play in his final season. I remember dropping Brad off at the locker room before the game with a brief case and a newspaper. Brad was always so nice to me! My condolences to Rob, Kim and all the Van Pelts. Brad will certainly be missed! "

Bob Meiers wrote on Feb 19, 2009 6:06 PM:

" Brad was the greatest all around athlete to come out of Michigan. More than that, he was a good friend and a better man.

My heartfelt condolences to the Van Pelt Family and all of his friends. "

Jean Compton Alfreds and Deb Nyhof Thomas wrote on Feb 19, 2009 5:13 PM:

" Although we haven't seen Brad or his brother Kim since college days at MSU we are remembering the fun times we had as PE majors and friends. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family. "

Catherine Loomis wrote on Feb 19, 2009 3:38 PM:

" I remember a young Brad so well- tho it was Robin who was my age and I had a big crush on- gave me my first grown-up kiss! We used to go up to Emerson to watch all the kid softball games in the summers where Brad's dad was one of the coaches.
My family moved to CT in 1964, but always followed his wonderful career.
My very heartfelt condolences to all his family. You made Owosso oh so proud. "

Gerald Szilagyi Linda Gunn Szilagyi wrote on Feb 19, 2009 3:01 PM:

" Brad was a real nice person.Each time you would see him he was always showing a big smile from ear to ear.Linda and I were proud to have known Brad,and to see him succeed in sports.It was always a trill to watch him play football and other sports.Our prayers our with his family,God bless everyone may God's peace be with you.Brad will always be remembered by us. Class of 68 &69 "

Jodie Fuller wrote on Feb 19, 2009 2:34 PM:

" My prayers and condolences to his family. Brad was a great person. "

randy smalley wrote on Feb 19, 2009 11:45 AM:

" my condolences to the family i remember mr van pelt coming into sir pizza he was always smiling and nice to everyone. "

Linda Mackay wrote on Feb 19, 2009 11:27 AM:

" What a loss! God Bless the VanPelt family. My prayers are with you! I have many fond memories of Brad visiting me at BGSU and OHS Senior Prom. Also his first trip to Florida with our family. Love, Linda "

Jeff in NM wrote on Feb 19, 2009 11:02 AM:

" I have only seen Brad a few times since I left Michigan. While being stationed in Iceland (83-84) my friends would never believe I knew him. He will be greatly missed and I am sorry I didnt get home to see him at least once more since it has been years since the last time I did. "

Mike Whittington wrote on Feb 19, 2009 11:00 AM:

" Brad was a great teammate, friend and mentor while i was with the Giants.
My condolences to his family. "

Wes wrote on Feb 19, 2009 10:18 AM:

" Mr. Van Pelt will always be a legend in this area not only for his prowess on the gridiron but his compassion and character as a human being. God bless him and we should all be proud that he was from here. "

Todd Hunt wrote on Feb 19, 2009 10:14 AM:

" I was 11 when I moved to Owosso in '73.
In the summer of '74 and '75 (if memory serves) I was the bat boy for Mitchell Bentley's fastpitch softball team. I was completely in awe of being around Brad at the time. His athleticism was inspiration for me later in life. I chose a career as a personal fitness trainer early in my 20's and contribute a lot of that inspiration to him. Now, at 46, I wish I had been able to tell him that at some point. I spent a very gloomy day yesterday after hearing the news.
Too close to home after losing my own brother suddenly a few years back.
I wanted to post here so that hopefully the Van Pelt family could read this and know that Brad's life had "ripple effects" that spanned far beyond what they could imagine.
Over 30 years ago Brad gave me three autographed pictures. They were pulled out from safe storage yesterday and put on the mantle in my fitness studio.
A sad day for anyone who knew him, my sincere condolences Kim, Rob (you guys were always great to me too, by the way!!) and the family.

Todd Hunt Midland MI "

Diane and Paul Mosher and Joan wrote on Feb 19, 2009 8:59 AM:

" Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Van Pelt family. My brother and I grew up a couple houses away from Brad, Robin and Kim and went to school with them until we moved to Ann Arbor. What a great family they were!!! Our families were very close for years and did a lot together, Mom had Bette over for coffee regularly.....those were the days!!!! Kinda like the "Happy Days" times....carefree and fun!!!

Brad you will be greatly missed, say Hi to your Dad and mine in heaven!!! Rest in peace friend!!! "

Dennis Dann wrote on Feb 19, 2009 8:53 AM:

" Made Owosso proud. Good man on and off the field and we will miss him. Condolences to the Family. "

Kevin Michael Brown wrote on Feb 19, 2009 6:30 AM:

" http://www.shiawasseecounty.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=13&t=3254

Brad was THE star at OHS while my brother, Tom Brown, was the "star" at Saint Paul High School.... both graduated 1969. My brother had his first heart surgery at about 40. I can't help but wonder if Brad was getting good medical care since he left the NFL or if he had just been having a good time. R.I.P. old friend. Condolences to Kim, Rob and all the family. "

BigBrother wrote on Feb 18, 2009 8:28 PM:

" Best athlete to ever come out of Shiawassee County. Absolutely a phenomenal player who will NEVER be forgotten. He was a once-in-a-lifetime guy who made all of us proud to know him. "

Al wrote on Feb 18, 2009 7:51 PM:

" Damn "

Michelle Kercher Kibby wrote on Feb 18, 2009 7:12 PM:

" This very sad news of Brad's death made its way here to Georgia. I knew Brad from the time we were 4 or 5 years old and played when he would come to his uncle's house across the street and I went to school from Kindergarten to graduation with him. We certainly weren't close friends, but he was always so nice. Many in our class of 1969 and the city admired and looked up to him. He always seemed kind to everyone and I know he will be missed. "

Ed Moreno wrote on Feb 18, 2009 6:02 PM:

" God Bless and my condolences to the family.

Ed Moreno "

Anonymous wrote on Feb 18, 2009 5:19 PM:

" Brad was a kind and gentle soul--- a warm heart who always had a big smile. He touched many and will be greatly missed by those who knew him. "

Patrick Bill wrote on Feb 18, 2009 4:27 PM:

" Sorry to hear of the loss. He was a great guy! Always very friendly and an Owosso Icon. He will be missed. God bless! "

Doug Edwards wrote on Feb 18, 2009 3:55 PM:

" Great athlete but even a greater man. My prayers to his family. "