The family of Pro Football Hall of Famer Nick Buoniconti announced

on Wednesday that he has died at the age of 78.Buoniconti was a 13th round pick of the Patriots in the 1962 AFL Draft after playing tackle at Notre Dame Yodny Cajuste Jersey Boys , but switched to linebacker and went on to make five All-Star teams in his first six years with the team. He was traded to the Dolphins and continued to excel as a fixture of the No-Name Defense that helped the Dolphins win two straight Super Bowls under head coach Don Shula.Buoniconti played his final season in 1976 and was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2001.After retiring as a player, Buoniconti remained in the football world as a co-host of . He also supported research into treatments for paralysis after his son Marc was paralyzed by a neck injury suffered while playing football.Marc Buoniconti remembered his father with a post on the website of The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis.“My dad has been my hero and represents what I have always aspired to be; a leader, a mentor and a champion. He selflessly gave all to football Youth Tom Brady Jerseys , to his family and to those who are less fortunate. He made a promise to me that turned into a revolution in paralysis research. We can best honor his dedication and endless commitment by continuing with our work until that promise is fulfilled and a cure is found.”In recent years, Buoniconti was outspoken about the belief that he suffered from Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy as a result of hits to the head during his football career. He said he would donate his brain to CTE research after his death.Our condolences go out to Buoniconti’s family and loved ones. Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski caught the 78th touchdown pass of his career on Sunday, and that puts him in some very elite company.The 29-year-old Gronkowski is now tied for third all time for the most touchdown catches in NFL history for a player in his 20s. Randy Moss Tom Brady Jerseys Stitched , who had 101 touchdown catches before turning 30, and Jerry Rice, who had 95 touchdown catches before turning 30 Youth James White Jerseys , are the only players with more. Terrell Owens also had 78 touchdown catches before his 30th birthday.Gronkowski should catch at least a few more touchdown passes this season, before turning 30 in the offseason. He won’t catch Rice or Moss, but 80 or 85 touchdown catches before turning 30 is not too shabby.Injuries have limited Gronkowski for much of his career James White Jerseys Stitched , and he’s already talking about walking away from the game. So it’s safe to say he won’t finish with anything close to Rice’s incredible total of 197 touchdown catches. But he’s already done more in his 20s than almost any player in NFL history.