Larry Gordon

Larry Gordon (July 8, 1954 in Monroe, Louisiana – July 3, 1983 in Phoenix, Arizona) was an American football linebacker who played seven seasons in the National Football League for the Miami Dolphins. He was in the Dolphins' starting lineup from his rookie season until his death. During his college football career at Arizona State he played alongside future All-American and Dallas Cowboys linebacker, Bob Breunig. Together, they are viewed as the best linebacker tandem to ever play the position at ASU. He collapsed while jogging in the desert outside Laveen, Arizona. He died about an hour later at a Phoenix hospital. His death was attributed to heart disease, although his brother, drug counselor and former San Diego Chargers guard, Ira Gordon, later disclosed evidence of cocaine use. A toxicological examination, however, tested negative for cocaine.