Former Chargers running back Blanche Martin dies at 89

Blanche Martin, a former running back for the Los Angeles Chargers and the 1957 Michigan State national champion, passed away on November 7 at the age of 89. Martin was a key player on the Michigan State team that went 8-1, and he ranked second on the squad with 528 rushing yards that season. He had a brief professional career, playing for the New York Titans before joining the Chargers, where he participated in the AFL's inaugural championship game. After football, Martin practiced dentistry for over 40 years and served on the Michigan State University Board of Trustees, becoming the first African American to do so.

• 12:15 AMYahoo Sports — Former Chargers running back, Michigan State champion, dies at 89