BALTIMORE — Jim Parker, a Hall of Fame lineman with the Baltimore Colts who made a career out of masterfully blocking for Johnny Unitas and Lenny Moore, died Monday in a Columbia nursing home. He was 71

Parker, the Colts' first pick in the 1957 draft, helped Baltimore win two NFL championships before retiring in 1967. He earned All-Pro honors in eight straight seasons, was named to the Pro Bowl eight times and in 1973 became the first full-time offensive lineman to be elected to the Hall of Fame.

"When that big guy pulled," Moore said Monday, "someone was going to hit the ground. Nobody was better at his position — both of them."

Parker spent half his career at left tackle and the other half at left guard, manning both positions with equal effectiveness. Unitas, Moore and Raymond Berry got most of the accolades when the Colts won titles in 1958 and 1959, but Parker, who wore No. 77, was a key component of that offense.

"Parker was a decapitating blocker who lusted for defensive blood," former Colts defensive lineman Art Donovan wrote in his book, "Fatso."

Parker died after a lengthy bout with diabetes, according to Moore, who was at his longtime friend's bedside Monday when he passed away.

"Obviously, he was more than just a teammate to me," Moore said.

The 6-foot-3, 273-pound Parker came to the Colts after a stellar career at Ohio State during which he won the Outland Trophy and was twice named to the first-team All-America squad. He played offense and defense for the Buckeyes, but was immediately told to focus on his blocking in Baltimore More>>>

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posted by ADMIN @ Tuesday, July 19, 2005