Mark Kellar Obituary and Cause of Death, What Happened to NIU Football Great Mark Kellar? How Did Mark Kellar Die?

Remembering Mark Kellar, the 'Baby Bull' of NIU football, legendary fullback, cherished father, and sports icon died on November 23, 2023, find out more about Mark Kellar's death here.

by Priyanka P

Updated Nov 29, 2023

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Mark Kellar Obituary and Cause of Death, What Happened to NIU Football Great Mark Kellar? How Did Mark Kellar Die?
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Mark Kellar Obituary and Cause of Death

Mark Peter Kellar, 71, passed away on November 23, 2023, in Minneapolis. He is survived by his daughters Marcella, Grace, and Meagan, along with granddaughter Audrey. Mark, nicknamed "Baby Bull" and the "Carpentersville Cruncher," excelled as a fullback at Northern Illinois University, setting records and earning a spot in the NIU Hall of Fame.

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He played professionally for the Chicago Fire and the Minnesota Vikings, showcasing his talent. Mark's interests included travel, golf, and card games. He had a big heart and cherished time with family and friends. The cause of death was not specified in the provided information. A memorial service will be held on December 1st at Washburn-McReavy Edina Chapel, with memorials suggested for the Alzheimer's Association of MN/ND.

Honor the memories of inspiring and remarkable individuals. Read touching and poignant obituaries that highlight their remarkable lives. Fresherslive offers a platform to cherish and reflect upon their stories.

Who was Mark Kellar?

Mark Peter Kellar was an American football running back best known for his three seasons with the Minnesota Vikings in the National Football League (NFL). Born in Carpentersville, Illinois, Kellar played college football at Northern Illinois University, where he set records and led the nation in rushing yards in 1973.

His impressive college career earned him a spot in the Northern Illinois University Athletics Hall of Fame.

Drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in 1974, Kellar also had stints with teams in the World Football League (WFL), including the Chicago Fire, Chicago Winds, and San Antonio Wings. Following his football career, he retired and enjoyed activities like golf and card games. Mark Kellar passed away on November 23, 2023, leaving behind a legacy of athletic achievements and contributions to the sport.

Full Name

Mark Kellar

Born

July 17, 1952, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.

Died

November 23, 2023, aged 71

Position

Running back

Height

6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)

Weight

225 lb (102 kg)

How Did Mark Kellar Die?

Mark Kellar, a football legend known for his exceptional career, passed away at the age of 71 in Minneapolis. As a former running back, Kellar made a lasting impact on Northern Illinois University (NIU) football, setting records and leading the nation in rushing. His contributions earned him recognition in the NIU Hall of Fame, and his jersey, number 31, was retired.

Drafted by the Minnesota Vikings, Kellar played professionally in the NFL and the World Football League. While the specific details of his passing remain undisclosed, his legacy as a skilled athlete and key figure in NIU's football history endures.

Mark Kellar Early Life

Mark Kellar was born on July 17, 1952, and grew up in Carpentersville, Illinois. He attended Irving Crown High School, where he showcased his athletic prowess by earning two varsity letters in football, two in basketball, and three in track. In his senior year, Kellar finished third in the state discus throw and received All-Tri-County Conference honors in all three sports.

His excellence led to his induction into the Dundee-Crown Athletic Hall of Fame in 2004. Later, Kellar continued his football journey at Northern Illinois University (NIU), playing as a fullback. His remarkable college career included leading the nation in rushing in 1973, setting school records, and earning a spot in the NIU Athletics Hall of Fame in 1983.

Mark Kellar Career

Mark Kellar had a distinguished career as a football player, leaving a lasting impact on Northern Illinois University (NIU) and the National Football League (NFL). Playing as a fullback, Kellar led the nation in rushing at NIU in 1973 with 1,719 yards. His college career saw him set school records, including 3,745 rushing yards, 33 touchdowns, and 20 games with over 100 yards.

Kellar's contributions earned him a spot in the NIU Athletics Hall of Fame in 1983. He was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the sixth round of the 1974 NFL Draft and also played in the World Football League (WFL) with the Chicago Fire, Chicago Winds, and San Antonio Wings. Kellar played 33 games in the NFL from 1976 to 1978 before retiring, leaving behind a legacy as one of NIU's football legends.

What Happened to NIU Football Great Mark Kellar? 

Mark Kellar, the Northern Illinois University (NIU) football great, passed away peacefully at the age of 71 in Minneapolis. Kellar, born on July 17, 1952, was known for his outstanding contributions to NIU's football legacy. As a fullback, he led the nation in rushing in 1973 with 1,719 yards and set remarkable school records, including 3,745 rushing yards and 33 touchdowns.

His impact earned him a place in the NIU Athletics Hall of Fame in 1983. After his college career, Kellar was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the NFL and also played in the World Football League (WFL). While the specific details surrounding his passing were not provided, Kellar's legacy as a football icon and record-setting player remains an integral part of NIU's football history.



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Mark Kellar Obituary and Cause of Death - FAQs

1. Who was Mark Kellar?  

Mark Kellar, a football legend, passed away at 71. He excelled as a fullback at Northern Illinois University and played professionally for the Chicago Fire and Minnesota Vikings.

2. How did Mark Kellar die?  

The cause of Mark Kellar's death was not specified in the provided information; he passed away peacefully at 71 in Minneapolis.

3. What were Mark Kellar's achievements in college football?  

Mark Kellar led the nation in rushing at Northern Illinois University in 1973, setting records with 3,745 rushing yards, 33 touchdowns, and 20 100-yard rushing games.

4. What was Mark Kellar's impact on NIU football?  

Mark Kellar left a lasting legacy at NIU, with records, jersey number 31 retired, and induction into the NIU Athletics Hall of Fame in 1983.

5. What was Mark Kellar's personal life like?  

Mark Kellar had a big heart, enjoyed travel, golf, and card games, and cherished time with family and friends, leaving behind a rich and diverse legacy.
 

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