Former NFL running back Terdell Middleton, who became the fourth 1,000-yard rusher in Packers history, has died at the age of 59. Via Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Middleton passed just five days short of his 60th birthday.
A third-round pick of the Cardinals in 1977, Middleton arrived in Green Bay via trade during camp and had only 97 yards rushing as a rookie. His 1,116-yard performance came in 1978.
“It surprised me,” Middleton said in 2005 of his 1,000-yard effort, via Silverstein. “I was the fourth in the history of the club and they were Hall of Fame guys, the guys who came before me.”
That ended up being the highlight of Middleton’s career; he gained a total of 831 yards in four seasons after that with the Packers, averaging 3.46 yards per carry. He later played for the Buccaneers and the Memphis Showboats of the USFL.
We extend our condolences to Middleton’s family and friends.
