Henry Childs, one of the stars of a New Orleans Saints team during an era of tough times, died Friday at 65.
The team's website confirmed the news Saturday. Childs' niece, Ty Monroe, told Big Easy Believer that Childs died of a heart attack while driving his car.
A native of Thomasville, Ga., Childs played collegiately at Kansas State. The Falcons selected him in the fifth round of the 1974 NFL Draft, although he never caught a pass with Atlanta. Childs enjoyed his greatest success in six-plus seasons with the Saints, from 1974 through 1980.
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Childs scored a career-high nine touchdowns in 1977, with 33 catches and 518 yards. He made the Pro Bowl in 1979, grabbing 51 catches for 846 and five touchdowns. In 87 games with the Saints, Childs hauled in 207 passes for 3,224 yards and 27 touchdowns, second-most for a Saints tight end, behind Jimmy Graham. The quarterback on the other end of those TD passes: Archie Manning, better known today as Peyton and Eli's father.
“Henry Childs was a key contributor to our offense during his seven years with us and one of the top tight ends in our franchise’s history," Saints owner Tom Benson said, via the team's website. "Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and loved ones from our whole organization during this difficult time.”
Childs wound down his career playing limited roles for the Rams in 1981 and Packers in 1984. He finished his NFL career with 223 receptions for 3,401 yards and 28 touchdowns.