Medina football great Ernie Clark passes away
Contributed Photo – Ernie Clark during his NFL playing days with the Detroit Lions.
Ernie Clark, the only Medina High graduate to play in the National Football League, passed away today in Orchard Park at the age of 86 Mustangs football coach Eric Valley announced this afternoon.
Clark played nine years in the NFL after graduating from Michigan State University.
A 13th round NFL draft choice in 1963, Clark played linebacker for the Detroit Lions from 1963 to 1969 and with the St. Louis Cardinals from 1970-71.
He played in 96 games during his nine year NFL career during which time he had 7 fumble recoveries and 4 interceptions.
Following his graduation from Medina, where he played under Coach John “Pinky” Loughlin, Clark became a three year regular at defensive end for Michigan State.
Clark is a member of both the Mustangs Sports Hall of Fame and the “Pinky” Loughlin Wall of Fame whose honorees have their photos displayed at Vets Park during the football season.
