Ex-Baltimore Colts star Fred Miller dead at 82: Former teammates pay tribute to 'wonderful' man who shone on 'one of great teams in NFL history'

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Fred Miller, a Super Bowl champion and former star defensive end of the Baltimore Colts in the late 1960s, has died at the age of 82.

His death was confirmed by current Colts owner Jim Irsay, who tweeted: 'Rest in peace, FRED MILLER, #76, 10-year starting DT of the Baltimore Colts. A three-time Pro Bowl selection.'

Miller, who was drafted out of LSU in the seventh round of the 1962 Draft, made the Pro Bowl in 1967, 1968 and 1969, during a 10-year spell at the heart of the Colts' defense.

He was part of the NFL title-winning 1968 team which shutout four teams on the way to a Super Bowl III loss to the Jets, before he eventually won a ring in 1970 at Super Bowl V, in a 16-13 win over the Dallas Cowboys. 

Speaking to the Baltimore Sun in 2009, per the New York Post, Miller said of that team: 'What a bond we had. We gave a damn about each other. No cliques. Our wives socialized. We babysat for each other. That didn’t happen on other clubs.'

Fred Miller (right, wearing 76) - the former Baltimore Colts star of the 1960s - has died at 82

Miller (above) was 82 and his death was confirmed by Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay

Miller (in white) records a sack of quarterback Craig Morton in the team's Super Bowl V win

Miller (center) will be laid to rest in a funeral service in Manchester, Maryland on March 3

After 10 years in Baltimore, Miller was traded to Washington but instead decided to retire from the game, making him a one-club man. 

In his career overall, he played 133 games, starting 123 of them and making 10 fumble recoveries. 

His former teammate at the Colts, Bill Curry - himself now 80 - also commented, writing: 'Fred Miller was a wonderful person and a great teammate. 

'He was our defensive captain during one of the best series of great teams in NFL history. It was a privilege to be his teammate.'

Miller's funeral service will be held on March 3 in Manchester, Maryland. 

Miller (left) sits with teammates Jerry Logan (20), Preston Pearson (26) and Ron Porter (55)

Miller (76, center) is seen during the Colts' 1964 NFL Championship game against the Browns

Miller died at the age of 82, and enjoyed a successful 10 years at the heart of the Colts' defense