Former NIU and Chicago Bears defensive lineman Jerry Meyers died Nov. 16 at the age of 53.

The former defensive lineman recorded 269 tackles at NIU between 1973-75. In his senior season, Meyers, a quad-captain, had 123 tackles, 68 of which were solo.

In 1976, the Huskie was drafted in the 15th round as the 411th pick by the Chicago Bears. Meyers would play four seasons in the NFL before calling it quits in August 1981.

Meyers was named to the All-Time Huskie Stadium Team in 1995 and the university’s All-Century Team in 2000.

“As good a player as he was, Jerry was a better individual — a class individual,” said Jerry Ippoliti, head coach of NIU while Meyer’s played. “This is hard to believe that Jerry is gone at age 53.”

Funeral services took place Tuesday.

Meyers is survived by his children, Derek, Bret, Corinne and Brittany; brother, Jeff; and sister, Janis (Strobel).

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