Former defensive tackle Dave Pureifory, who played six seasons for the Green Bay Packers from 1972-77, died last Thursday from an extended illness.

A sixth-round draft choice of the Packers in 1972, Pureifory played in 78 games for Green Bay, serving as the primary starter at right defensive tackle for three seasons, 1975-77.

Though sacks did not become an official NFL statistic until 1982, Pureifory is credited with leading the Packers in sacks with 11 in 1975. He then tied for the team lead with Dave Roller in 1977, posting eight sacks.

Pureifory also was credited with a safety on defense in 1975, as well as two extra points when he filled in as an emergency kicker.

After leaving Green Bay, Pureifory split the 1978 season between Cincinnati and Detroit and then went on to play five more seasons with the Lions as a defensive end through 1982. He had seven sacks in his final NFL season with Detroit before going on to play in the USFL.

A star at Eastern Michigan University and a member of the school's athletic hall of fame, Pureifory played in 148 NFL games in all. He was 59.