Ed Blaine, a former Green Bay Packers guard and renowned cardiovascular researcher, passed away at 86 in St. Louis on March 22. Drafted in 1962, Blaine played one year with the Packers before a successful four-year stint with the Philadelphia Eagles, where he earned All-Pro honors. He contributed significantly to cardiovascular research, holding six patents and leading transformative studies on kidney function and blood pressure regulation. Blaine held positions in both industry and academia, culminating his career back at the University of Missouri.

By the Numbers
  • Blaine was drafted 28th overall in the 1962 NFL Draft.
  • He played 56 consecutive games for the Philadelphia Eagles.
  • Inducted into the University of Missouri Hall of Fame in 1991 and the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame in 2011.
Yes, But

Blaine鈥檚 football career, while impressive, is often overshadowed by his groundbreaking contributions to medical research, illustrating the duality of an athlete's life beyond sports.

State of Play
  • Blaine was known for his research on hormonal systems influencing blood pressure during his time at Merck in the 1980s.
  • He directed the Dalton Cardiovascular Research Center before retiring from the University of Missouri.
What's Next

Tributes and acknowledgments of Blaine's multifaceted legacy will likely emerge from both the sports and medical communities, celebrating his contributions to football and cardiovascular science.

Bottom Line

Ed Blaine's passing marks the loss of a significant figure who excelled in both athletics and academia, reminding us that legacies can extend far beyond a career in sports.