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Former NFL player, Fresno St. coach JR Boone dies

SELMA, Calif. -- Former NFL player and Fresno State football coach JR Boone has died. He was 86.

Fresno State says Boone died in his sleep on Sunday at his home in Selma. Boone coached at Fresno State from 1973-75, posting a 10-24 record.

Boone was drafted by the Chicago Bears and the New York Yankees but chose to play football. He played four seasons with the Bears, one with the San Francisco 49ers and one with the Green Bay Packers. He played running back and safety.

Boone finished his career with 497 yards rushing, 69 catches for 1,251 yards, 12 touchdowns and two interceptions.

Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press