Lee Riley, Lions, Eagles, Giants, and Titans Defensive Back
June 15th, 2011 | Published in Brothers, Fathers and Sons, Player Deaths | 3 Comments
Lee Riley, who played defensive back from 1955 to 1962 for the Detroit Lions, Philadelphia Eagles, New York Giants, and New York Titans, passed away on June 9. Riley’s best season was 1962, when he intercepted 11 passes for the Titans, leading the AFL. Riley was the son of Leon Riley, who played briefly for baseball’s Philadelphia Phillies, and the brother of Pat Riley, longtime NBA coach and current president of the Miami Heat. He is mentioned in Pat Riley’s profile on the NBA web site.
The card pictured here is Riley’s rookie card, a 1955 Bowman. (1955 Bowmans are the only vintage football cards I can think of that indicate which players were rookies.) He also appeared on a 1963 Fleer card, issued after his last season.
You can see Lee Riley’s career stats at pro-football-reference.com.
July 30th, 2011 at 2:47 PM (#)
One of the nicest guys I’ve ever met. We worked together in New York and visited occasionally in Chicago where he was living and working. A very gentle man, very bright and warm. I moved to Arizona and we became disconnected. I didn’t know of his passing, but always thought of him. I will miss the guy, my friend.
Ron Eger
February 23rd, 2014 at 12:44 PM (#)
Lee and I worked together at Loehmann’s and he was the nicest men and boss anyone could have. I am sorry upset that he passed away. May he be in Gods presence.
JOEL FREEDMAN
February 23rd, 2014 at 12:56 PM (#)
Lee Riley was a great friend and boss of mine when we worked together at Loehmann’s.
I am very upset upon the passing of Lee as I wanted to say Hi. Hi Ron remember me?
Joel Freedman