Former Saints Player Dave Parks Passes Away

One of the members of the New Orleans Saints, from the early years, passed away earlier this month.

Receiver Dave Parks, who joined the Saints back in 1968, their second year as a franchise, died on August 8, at the age of 77.

A former 3-time All-American at Texas Tech, Parks was with the first-overall pick in the 1964 NFL Draft by the San Francisco 49ers.

The 6-foot-2, 220-pound Parks led the NFL in receptions (80), receiving yards (1,344), and touchdown catches (12) in 1965.

After spending four seasons in San Francisco, including three Pro Bowl appearances (1965, 1966, & 1967), Parks utilized his option and joined the Saints, where he spent five seasons.

During his time in New Orleans, Parks caught 149 passes for 2,254 yards and 16 touchdowns.

Parks' best season with the Saints came in 1971, when he accumulated 35 receptions for 578 yards and five touchdowns.

A native of Muenster, Texas, Parks ended his career with the Houston Oilers in 1973.

In parts of 10 seasons in the NFL, Parks totaled 360 catches for 5,619 yards and 44 touchdowns.

Parks was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2008, as well as the Texas Sports Hall of Fame in 2012.