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Former NFL star, Florida A&M coach Ken Riley dead at 72

Ken Riley. Photo: FAMU via Twitter
Ken Riley. Photo: FAMU via Twitter

Former Cincinnati Bengals standout Ken Riley, who was also a coach and athletic director at his alma mater Florida A&M, has died. The university made the announcement Sunday.

Riley was 72.

He played 15 seasons for the Bengals as a defensive back, with 65 career interceptions for 596 yards, and five touchdowns. The interceptions rank fifth in NFL history.

He also recovered 18 fumbles.

Before his NFL career, Riley was a four-year starter at quarterback for the Rattlers.

Later, he returned to become Florida A&M's head football coach and then athletic director. The university did not reveal a cause of death.

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Joe Byrnes came to WMFE/WMFV from the Ocala Star-Banner and The Gainesville Sun, where he worked as a reporter and editor for several years. Joe graduated from Loyola University in New Orleans and turned to journalism after teaching. He enjoys freshwater fishing and family gatherings.