Charles Frederick Hughes, known as Chuck Hughes, was an American football player whose career in the National Football League (NFL) was marked by both promise and tragedy. Born on March 2, 1943, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Hughes grew up in Texas, where he developed a love for football. He attended Texas Western College, now known as the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), where he played college football as a wide receiver. His performance on the field caught the attention of professional scouts, leading to his selection in the 1967 NFL Draft.

Hughes was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the fourth round as the 99th overall pick. During his time with the Eagles, he played as a wide receiver and occasionally as a punt returner. His rookie season saw him participating in 11 games, where he managed to make a modest contribution to the team's offense. Despite limited playing time, Hughes demonstrated potential with his speed and catching ability.

After three seasons with the Eagles, Hughes was traded to the Detroit Lions in 1970. The move to Detroit offered him a fresh start and the opportunity to further develop his skills. In his first season with the Lions, Hughes played in 14 games, primarily contributing on special teams and as a backup receiver. His role on the team was largely supportive, but he continued to work hard to earn more playing time.

The 1971 season began with Hughes eager to make a greater impact. He played in several games, contributing to the Lions' efforts on the field. However, his career and life were tragically cut short on October 24, 1971, during a game against the Chicago Bears. In the final minutes of the game, Hughes collapsed on the field and was rushed to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead. An autopsy later revealed that he had suffered a heart attack, caused by a previously undiagnosed heart condition.

Chuck Hughes remains the only NFL player to have died on the field during a game. His untimely death sent shockwaves through the league and highlighted the importance of player health and safety. In the aftermath, the Lions retired his number 85 jersey as a tribute to his memory.

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