League: NFL Sport: Football Country: United States Category: Injuries

Former Cowboys wide receiver Lance Rentzel dies at age 82

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 10, 2026, 9:14 AM

Last updated Jun 10, 2026

Former Cowboys wide receiver Lance Rentzel dies at age 82

Summary

Lance Rentzel, a former wide receiver who played nine NFL seasons, passed away on June 7 at the age of 82. Rentzel was drafted in the second round of the 1965 NFL Draft by the Minnesota Vikings and had a standout career, leading the league in touchdown receptions in 1969. Following his time with the Vikings, he became a key player for the Dallas Cowboys, earning All-Pro recognition and contributing to the team's success in the late 1960s. His career was marred by off-field issues, including a notable arrest that overshadowed his football achievements. The NFL community will remember Rentzel for both his contributions on the field and the controversies that surrounded him.

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Status Watch

•Lance Rentzel died on June 7 at the age of 82.
•He was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in 1965.
•Rentzel led the NFL in touchdown receptions in 1969.
•He played key roles for the Dallas Cowboys, reaching NFL Championship Games.
•Off-field controversies affected his football career.

Latest Updates

9:23 PMYahoo Sports — Former NFL WR Lance Rentzel dies at 82
9:14 AMYahoo Sports — Former Cowboys wide receiver, 9-year NFL veteran, dies

What they're saying

"
Wide receiver Lance Rentzel, a veteran of nine NFL seasons who once led the league in touchdown receptions, died June 7. He was 82. Rentzel was chosen in the second round (23rd overall) of the 1965 NFL Draft by the…
— Yahoo Sports