Former New York Giants linebacker Vince Costello, who spent two seasons with Big Blue from 1967-1968, died on Saturday at the age of 86.
Born in Dellroy, Ohio, Costello was a star quarterback for Magnolia High School’s six-man team. However, he trended towards baseball in college, pulling double duty as a baseball player and football player, committing to the former before eventually finding his way to the Cleveland Browns in 1957.
Costello spent 10 years playing linebacker for the Browns, appearing in 130 games (125 starts), recording 18 interceptions, eight fumble recoveries and two touchdowns.
In 1967, Costello joined the Giants, where he would appear in 16 games over two seasons, recording four interceptions to bring his career total to 22. He went on to retire after the 1968 season.
Following the conclusion of his playing career, Costello got into coaching, joining Paul Brown in Cincinnati from 1969-1973 before moving onto the Miami Dolphins in 1974 and the Kansas City Chiefs from 1975-1976.
Costello was inducted into the Cleveland Browns Legends Program in 2011.
Costello is survived by his wife, Sally Costello; sister, Lee Marino; daughters Carol Costello, Kay Dalton, Ann Fritz, Sue O’Gara, Mary Costello and Tricia Costello; son David Costello, and 16 grandchildren.
