ANTIOCH, Calif., May 14, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Chuck Muncie Youth Foundation announced today that Harry Vance "Chuck" Muncie, the foundation's founder, passed away Monday morning of a heart attack. Mr. Muncie was 60 years old.
Muncie, a former NFL All Pro running back, played for the New Orleans Saints and San Diego Chargers in the National Football League from 1976 to 1984.
Recruited by the University of California after one year at an Arizona community college, Muncie was a star running back for California during the 1970s. While there, Muncie set six school rushing records, including the most touchdowns and the most yards gained in a single season. He was the heart of Cal's NCAA-leading offense and their 1975 co-championship of the Pac-8.
Cal Director of Athletics Sandy Barbour said, "Chuck Muncie, a Cal Hall of Famer, was one of the greatest players in our long history and is a legend among Golden Bear fans. Although it's been nearly 40 years since Chuck suited up for the Cal football program, stories of his accomplishments on the field of play still resonate throughout Memorial Stadium. After he hung up his cleats as a professional, he became an incredible advocate and positive influence on so many youth through his foundation, and he was a familiar face on campus and at Cal football games. All of us in the Cal family are saddened by his sudden and far-too-soon passing and he will be deeply missed."
Chuck Muncie spent his early NFL years playing for the New Orleans Saints who selected him in the 1st round of the 1976 NFL Draft with the 3rd overall selection.
"Sadly, we have learned of the untimely passing of Chuck Muncie," said New Orleans Saints Owner/Chairman of the Board Tom Benson. "Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and other loved ones at this difficult time."
Muncie's standout NFL season was in 1981 when he ran for 1,144 yards and 19 touchdowns, tying the then-NFL season record for rushing touchdowns. Perhaps his standout game was when he rushed for 120 yards and a touchdown in San Diego's 41-38 win over the Miami Dolphins in what has come to be known as The Epic in Miami.
In a statement from the San Diego Chargers, "Everyone at the Chargers is deeply saddened by the passing of Chuck Muncie, one of the greatest running backs in Chargers history. We will remember him as a tremendous athlete with a larger-than-life personality. It's a sad day for all of us and all Chargers fans."
Muncie finished his nine-season career with 6,702 rushing yards, 263 receptions for 2,323 yards, 20 kickoff returns for 432 yards, and 74 touchdowns. But as his daughter explained his most impressive work was done off the field.
During his career, Muncie appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated three times and finished second in the Heisman Trophy voting to Archie Griffin of Ohio State. Muncie was awarded the 1975 Pop Warner Trophy as the outstanding football player on the Pacific Coast.
Muncie's career was cut short because of an addition to cocaine. He also spent 18 months in prison on cocaine distribution charges. He would later explain it changed his life for the better.
"My dad was a great man. While most knew him as an NFL great, I knew him as a loving father and a man who doted on his three grandchildren. Our entire family will miss him greatly. His work with at-risk youth, the boys and girls clubs and his foundation is what really made him shine," said Danielle Ward.
Muncie dedicated his life to youth and community service. He established the Chuck Muncie Youth Foundation (http://www.chuckmuncie.org).
The foundation offers youth mentoring, kids camp, tattoo removal, immunization for the uninsured, job training and other such programs. Muncie also mentors University of California football players.