Former Tennessee standout and Buffalo Bills legend Mike Stratton, 78, has passed away.
Stratton was pronounced dead on Wednesday due to heart complications following a fall.
Stratton played end and wide receiver for the Vols under head coach Bowden Wyatt from 1858-61. He was drafted in the 13th round by the Bills in the 1962 AFL Draft. With a professional career that overshadowed his college days, Stratton put together six AFL All-Star campaigns between 1962-73.
At Tennessee, Stratton did not see significant time until his senior season, in which he made more of an impact on the offensive side of the ball. Tennessee football’s official Twitter account posted a message honoring Stratton after his death.
We offer our condolences to the family of #VFL Mike Stratton, who has passed away. pic.twitter.com/RApUkAcpic
— Tennessee Football (@Vol_Football) March 25, 2020
Stratton etched himself into professional football and Buffalo Bills lore in the 1964 AFL Championship, when he laid a hit on San Diego Chargers running back Keith Lincoln that became known as the hit heard ’round the world en route to a 20-7 win.
The former Vol would close out his football career with the Chargers in 1973.
A Tennessee native, Stratton grew up in Tellico Plains, and passed away at UT Medical Center.