Former New York Giants defensive end Randy Staten has passed away in Charlotte, North Carolina at the age of 76.
Staten, who joined the Giants in 1966, went on to become ordained minister and a member of the Minnesota House of Representatives (district 56A and 57B) following his NFL career, and spearheaded the African-American Heritage Act.
At the time of his election in 1980, Staten was Minnesota’s only black legislator.
“We lost one of the greatest strategic minds that I have known,” Rev. Jerry McAfee told the Star Tribune. “I think one of his problems was his level of intelligence. It intimidated people, especially the powers that be. Minnesota Nice doesn’t always like intelligent black people.”
“He was a community leader, mobilizing people in action,” said fellow civil rights leader Bill English.
In total, Staten spent seven years in the Minnesota House of Representatives.
On the field, Staten was a talented defensive end, but a severe leg injury ended his career prematurely in 1967. In his two seasons with the Giants, Staten appeared in 14 games with one start.
Once a Giant, always a Giant.
