Lions RB Mel Farr dies at 70

The Lions confirmed his death late Monday night.

It’s been a tough few weeks in Motown for the Detroit Lions family.

Farr played seven NFL season with the Lions (1967-73) and was named Offensive Rookie of the Year in 1967. He was one of the first African-Americans to own a Ford dealership. He also caught 146 passes for 1,374 yards and 10 touchdowns in his career.

The exponential growth of the company continued through the 90’s, and in 1998, Black Enterprise magazine named Mel Farr Automotive Group the nation’s largest black-owned company, with a revenue of $568.4 million, Automotive News reported in 2002. He appeared in his own commercials, often wearing a cape, and explained why he left football to pursue the vehicle business in an interview with the Free Press two years ago.

The fast paced running back won the co-rookie of the year award in 1967 with teammate Lem Barney. Farr and Barney provided the voices that you hear talking on the beginning of Gaye’s iconic, hit, “What’s Going?” “May his soul rest in peace”. Farr was unable grow his consumer finance operation and open more used-car superstores. Jasmine is expecting another daughter, Melia, due in November.

Within three years, Farr had assumed sole ownership of the dealership, and President Jimmy Carter cited him for “outstanding achievement” in business. Hall of Fame tight end Charlie Sanders died of cancer in July.

“They’re probably strolling around in heaven all day now”, Barney said.