Former Tennessee star Bert Rechichar, captain of 1951 title team, passes away at age 89

The Tennessee family received some sad news on Sunday, as it was reported that legend Bert Rechichar had passed away.

Rechichar was a two-sport star for the Vols, playing both football and baseball during his time in Knoxville.

Per a tweet from the Tennessee Football page, Rechichar was 89 at the time of his death:

VFL legend Bert Rechichar passed away at age 89 over the weekend.

He was a captain on the 1951 National Champions and collected All-SEC First Team honors in both football and baseball. https://t.co/N18cBQLoJn

— Tennessee Football (@Vol_Football) July 21, 2019

Rechichar was a huge part of the Vols’ 1951 football and baseball teams, according to the article posted on him by Tennessee:

Rechichar was a captain on the 1951 consensus national championship football team, collecting All-SEC First Team honors as a wingback for the Vols.

A three-year starter, he also was named to the All-SEC Second Team in 1950.

He also lettered in baseball at Tennessee in 1951 and 1952, helping lead the Vols to their first College World Series appearance in 1951 as he collected All-SEC First Team honors as an outfielder.

Rechichar played for the Baltimore Colts in his NFL career, winning two NFL championships.