Izzy Lang

Israel Alvin "Izzy" Lang (February 2, 1942 - October 10, 2008) was a former American football running back who played for six seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the 18th round of the 1964 NFL Draft. He played for the Eagles from 1964–1968, and the Los Angeles Rams in 1969. He played college football at Tennessee State.

Izzy Lang
No. 29, 39
Position:Running back
Personal information
Born:February 2, 1942
Tampa, Florida, U.S.
Died:October 10, 2008(2008-10-10) (aged 66)
Sunset Park, Brooklyn, New York, U.S.
Height:6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)
Weight:232 lb (105 kg)
Career information
High school:Tampa (FL) George S. Middleton
College:Tennessee State
NFL Draft:1964 / Round: 18 / Pick: 240
Career history
Career NFL statistics
Rushing attempts:245
Rushing yards:873
Total touchdowns:8
Player stats at NFL.com · PFR

Professional career

Philadelphia Eagles

Lang was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the 18th round (240th overall) of the 1964 NFL Draft. He was mainly a backup during his first two seasons in the NFL, and he earned the starting running back job in 1966 NFL season. In the season-opener against the St. Louis Cardinals, Lang rushed for 65 yards on 16 carries. In week 2, he rushed for 114 yards on 16 attempts.[1] Lang was named Most Valuable Player of the 1966 Playoff Bowl, even though he did not start in the game.[2] The Eagles lost the game to the Baltimore Colts, 20–14.

In 1968, Lang rushed for 235 yards on 35 carries. After the season, he asked to be traded from the team.[3]

Los Angeles Rams

On July 7, 1969, Lang was traded to the Los Angeles Rams in exchange for defensive end John Zook and wide receiver Harold Jackson.[4] He retired after the season.[5]

After football

Lang made an appearance in the 1970 film Where's Poppa? as Muthafucka.[6]

Lang was arrested 24 times after his retirement. On November 15, 1988, he was arrested for impersonating then-New York Giants running back Joe Morris by forging checks. He had convinced United Jersey Bank to cash a check in Morris' name.[5] He had also impersonated Lawrence Taylor, Leonard Marshall and Doug Williams.[7] He is buried at Hart Island (Bronx).

References
  1. "'Unlikely' Izzy Lang Looms Successor To Jimmy Brown". The Pittsburgh Press. September 21, 1966. Retrieved 2010-08-24.
  2. "Israel Lang's Rare Feat". The Milwaukee Sentinel. January 10, 1967. Archived from the original on 2016-05-12. Retrieved 2010-08-24.
  3. "Fullback Lang Wants Eagles to Trade Him". Reading Eagle. July 1, 1969. Retrieved 2010-08-24.
  4. "Rams' Allen wheels Another pro deal". July 8, 1969. Retrieved 2010-08-24.
  5. "Former football player charged with forgery". Spartanburg Herald-Journal. November 18, 1988. Retrieved 2010-08-24.
  6. Macnow, Glen and Big Daddy Graham (2006). The Great Book of Philadelphia Sports Lists. Running Press. p. 31. ISBN 9780762428403. Retrieved 2010-08-24.
  7. "Israel Lang, former running back for the". Los Angeles Times. November 18, 1988. Retrieved 2010-08-24.
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