former tiger Earl Gros died Monday

Gros, a fullback at LSU from 1959-61 who later played nine NFL seasons, died Monday at the age of 72.

Gros, a native of Houma, was a first-round draft pick and 14th overall selection of the 1962 NFL draft by the Green Bay Packers. He also was a second-round pick of the AFL’s Houston Oilers that year, but chose to sign with the Packers.

Playing with Green Bay in 1962 and ’63, Gros was part of a deep and talented backfield that included former LSU star Jimmy Taylor and Paul Hornung. The Packers claimed the NFL title in 1962 with a 13-1 record and followed that with an 11-2-1 record in 1963.

In addition to playing for the Packers, Gros played with the Philadelphia Eagles (1964-66), Pittsburgh Steelers (1967-69) and appeared in one game for the New Orleans Saints (1970) before retiring.

Gros’ best season came in his first year with the Eagles in 1964. He rushed for 748 yards on 154 carries and averaged 4.9 yards per attempt, which was fourth in the NFL.

He scored seven rushing touchdowns in both 1965 and ’66 and had nine total touchdowns each of those years.

For his NFL career, the 6-foot-3, 220-pound Gros rushed for 3,157 yards and 28 touchdowns and caught 142 passes for 1,255 yards and 10 more TDs.

Gros, a resident of Prairieville, is survived by his mother, Flora Trosclair Gros; son, Earl Roy Gros II; a sister, Gayle; and three grandchildren.

Visitation will be held Thursday from 10 a.m. until funeral time at St. Bridget Catholic Church in Schriever. A Mass of Christian burial is set for 11 a.m. Thibodaux Funeral Home Inc., is in charge of arrangements.