Former NFL and Boston College quarterback Doug Flutie’s parents died within an hour of each other on Wednesday morning.
The Heisman Trophy winner wrote on Facebook that his father, Richard “Dick” Flutie, died of a heart attack in the hospital followed by his mother, Joan, who also died of a heart attack a short time later.
The couple had been married 56 years.
“They say you can die of a broken heart and I believe it,” Flutie wrote. “I would like to honor my parents for all that they did throughout my and my brothers’ and sister’s lives. My parents were always there for their children, from the days my Dad coached us as kids and my Mom would work the concession stands, through to this morning.
“The most important part of their 56 years of marriage was providing opportunities to their children. They were incredible parents and grandparents and my family and I will miss them both.”
Flutie starred at Boston College and went on to play in the NFL, the Canadian Football League and the United States Football League. His 12-year NFL career included stops with the New England Patriots, Buffalo Bills, San Diego Chargers and Chicago Bears.
Flutie now works as a broadcaster and is scheduled to be in the booth for Saturday’s Boston College-Notre Dame game in Fenway Park.
“Our hearts go out to the Flutie family, all of whom are in our prayers,” Boston College tweeted Wednesday afternoon.