Lance Rentzel, former NFL receiver, dies at 82
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 12, 2026, 8:02 PM
Last updated Jun 12, 2026
Lance Rentzel, a former NFL wide receiver known for his tenure with the Dallas Cowboys, passed away on June 7 at the age of 82. Rentzel was a first-round draft pick by the Minnesota Vikings but later became a standout receiver with the Cowboys, surpassing 1,000 receiving yards in 1968. His career faced challenges following several legal issues, including arrests related to indecent exposure and drug possession, leading to his eventual suspension from the NFL. Later in life, he wrote a bestselling autobiography detailing his experiences and struggles with mental health, leaving behind a legacy of both triumph and tragedy.
- •Lance Rentzel died on June 7 at 82 years old.
- •He was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in 1965 but played primarily for the Dallas Cowboys.
- •Rentzel recorded over 1,000 receiving yards in 1968.
- •He faced legal issues that impacted his NFL career.
- •He authored a bestselling autobiography on his life experiences.
- 8:02 PMYahoo Sports — Former Bills draft pick, who seemed to have it all before his downfall, dies
"He was an NFL golden boy who was married to a TV star. Then came his shocking arrest.
Sources
External linksOriginal reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days
NFL•Oct 25, 2026, 10:27 PMJacksonville Jaguars vs Indianapolis Colts
NFL•Oct 25, 2026, 10:12 PMVikings, J.J. McCarthy both prove to better off without one another
NFL•Oct 25, 2026, 10:11 PMMatthew Stafford breaks Rams franchise record for touchdown passes
NFL•Oct 25, 2026, 9:23 PMCam Skattebo confirms injury after Giants beat Texans in overtime
NFL•Oct 25, 2026, 8:43 PMWhere Titans land after loss vs Browns for NFL draft order
NFL•Oct 25, 2026, 8:38 PMJustin Jefferson limited to 44 yards in Week 7
