Chuck Hughes. He is, to date, the only NFL player to die on the field during a game. Thomas Herrion died shortly after a game in 2009, in the lockers, but not actually on the field.
Chuck Hughes died on 1971-10-24.
Many NFL fans will never forget the death of Detroit Lions wide receiver Chuck Hughes on October 24, 1971. Hughes, who had been in the league since 1967, died of a heart attack near the end of a Lions-Chicago Bears game in Detroit. He collapsed at the Bears' 15-yard line while on his way back to the huddle. He was later pronounced dead at the age of 28. Chicago won the game 28-23. Hughes, whose family had a history of heart problems, is the only NFL player to die during a game. In his honor, Detroit retired his number (85) and began issuing the Chuck Hughes Award annually to the Lions' most improved player.
Ed Hughes died October 14, 1927, in McHenry, IL, USA.
Tom Hughes died February 8, 1956, in Chicago, IL, USA.
Bill Hughes died December 2, 1928, in Brooklyn, NY, USA.
Jim Hughes died June 2, 1924, in Sacramento, CA, USA.
Joe Hughes died March 13, 1951, in Cleveland, OH, USA.
Roy Hughes died March 5, 1995, in Asheville, NC, USA.
Vern Hughes died September 26, 1961, in Sewickley, PA, USA.
Mickey Hughes died April 10, 1931, in Jersey City, NJ, USA.
Tommy Hughes died November 28, 1990, in Wilkes-Barre, PA, USA.