player Russ Francis among 2 killed in Lake Placid plane crash

Russ Francis was a beloved American football player who spent 13 seasons in the National Football League. He played for the New England Patriots and San Francisco 49ers, and was a member of the 49ers' Super Bowl XVI championship team.

Francis was born in Seattle, Washington, and grew up in nearby Renton. American. He was drafted by the Patriots in the first round of the 1975 NFL Draft.

Francis was a three-time Pro Bowler and was named to the NFL's All-Pro team in 1978. He was also a valuable red zone target, scoring 40 touchdowns in his career.

Francis was a popular teammate and a respected member of the NFL community. He was known for his intelligence, wit, and sense of humor. He was also a devout Christian and a role model for many young players.

Francis died on October 1, 2023, at the age of 70, after a long battle with cancer. He is survived by his wife, Kathy, and their three children.

Francis was a true legend of the game, and he will be deeply missed.