Former Pittsburgh Steelers kick returner and cornerback Lupe Sanchez has passed away at the age of 63, according to a post on his friend Keith Korsgarden’s Facebook page.
“It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Lupe Sanchez, a beloved member of the Visalia community who left us earlier today,” Korsgarden wrote. “Lupe was not only a great friend to many — including all of us at the restaurant — but also a shining example of kindness, strength, and perseverance.”
Sanchez was born to Mexican immigrants in the town of Visalia, California. Growing up in Tulare County, Sanchez chose to stay close to home for his college career, playing for the UCLA Bruins.
Over the span from 1979 to 1983, Sanchez posted 13 interceptions, the fifth-most in UCLA history. The Kansas City Chiefs drafted him in the second round of the 1984 supplemental draft. They released him, and the Steelers picked him up.
He played three seasons for the Steelers from 1986 to 1988. Sanchez made nine starts over his career with the Steelers, making four interceptions over that span, including one pick-six.
Sanchez was known just as well as a kick returner, where they amassed 778 return yards on 35 returns. In addition to playing for the Steelers, he played in the USFL with the Arizona Wranglers and Orlando Renegades.