DETROIT — Mike Lucci, a Pro Bowl linebacker who played nine seasons with the Detroit Lions, died Tuesday at age 81.

Lucci died after an extended illness, according to an obituary posted by Glick Family Funeral Home in Boca Raton, Florida.

Lucci was drafted by Cleveland, but spent most of his 12-year career with the Lions, from 1965-73.

Lucci played on special teams during the 1964 NFL championship game won by the Browns. It was his last game with Cleveland.

The Ambridge native, got a football scholarship at the University of Pittsburgh but transferred and played three seasons at Tennessee.