Jim Mazurek, a former Syracuse football player who played from 1961-63, died on Monday after a battle with cancer. He was 74.

Mazurek’s career as an offensive lineman at SU overlapped with historic running backs. Mazurek played with Ernie Davis during his 1961 Heisman-winning season and in 1963 he played in the first of Floyd Little’s three All-American seasons. Mazurek was a captain for the 1963 team.

In the years Mazurek played for the Orange, SU went 21-10, including a Liberty Bowl win over Miami in 1961. He was selected in the 1964 NFL Draft by the Baltimore Colts as the 78th overall selection, although he didn’t play in the league.

After graduation, Mazurek was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army. He served as a transportation officer in the Republic of Korea before volunteering to switch to a combat role.

He and his wife, Hong Jae Sun, whom he met while serving in Korea, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in October. Mazurek and his wife moved to Connecticut after his service and he spent 35 years as an employee with Clairol and Proctor and Gamble.

Mazurek died in Bradenton, Florida, surrounded by his wife and children.