Gary Ballman, Pro Bowl player for Steelers, 63

AURORA, Colo. -- Gary Ballman, a Pro Bowl football player for the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 1960s, died May 20, family members said. He was 63.

The cause of death was not disclosed.

Mr. Ballman starred at Michigan State before playing halfback and receiver for the Steelers from 1962 to 1966, making the Pro Bowl the final two seasons.

He was among the team's career leaders in kickoffs (64 returns for 1,711 yards), with the second-best average of 26.7. His 93-yard return against Washington on Nov. 17, 1963, is tied for seventh-longest in team history.

He played for the Philadelphia Eagles from 1967 to 1972 and then split his final year in pro football between the New York Giants and the Minnesota Vikings.

Mr. Ballman later worked for the NFL Players Association until 1979. He was a salesman for Simplex Building Products before retiring last year.