Former Patriots Defensive End Larry Eisenhauer Passes Away

Robert Alvarez

3 years ago at 8:59 pm ET

David Butler II - USA TODAY Sports

The New England Patriots announced Wednesday that former defensive end Larry Eisenhauer passed away at the age of 79.

Eisenhauer played nine seasons for the Boston Patriots from 1961-69, earning four AFL All-Star selections, a three-time AFL All-Pro and a selection to the Patriots 1960s All-Decade Team.

“I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Larry Eisenhauer,” said Patriots Chairman and CEO Robert Kraft in a statement. “I had the pleasure of watching him play for the Boston Patriots in the ’60s. Not only was he one of the best defensive linemen in the AFL for nearly a decade, but we was also one of the most colorful personalities this franchise has ever known. I think everyone who ever played with him had a Larry Eisenhauer story and loved to retell them at alumni gatherings. He was an AFL All-Star on the field, but made an ever greater impact in the New England community as a Patriots ambassador, always eager to volunteer for our many alumni initiatives. On behalf of my family and the New England Patriots organization, we express our sincerest sympathies to Larry’s family, former teammates and the many friends who will mourn his loss.”

Eisenhauer totaled 47½ sacks over his Patriots career, eighth-most in franchise history and led the team in that category each year for four straight seasons from 1962-65.

Patriots announce that former DE Larry Eisenhauer has passed away at age 79. Played nine years with Boston Patriots, four-time AFL All-Pro, member of Patriots 1960s All-Decade team. pic.twitter.com/nekreAXWIx

— Matt Dolloff (@mattdolloff) January 29, 2020

In 1970, Eisenhauer announced his retirement from the NFL and began a new career focusing on his role as owner and operator of Data Metal Company, a computer hardware business in Boston.

Check out this 2014 interview with Eisenhauer courtesy of The Jimmys Sports Talk.