Longtime St. Louis Football Cardinals star Ernie McMillan passed away last night at the age of 86.

The Cardinals selected McMillan in the 13th round of the 1961 NFL Draft. The Chicago native played tight end at the University of Illinois before becoming an offensive lineman in the NFL.

It didn’t take long for McMillan to master the offensive tackle position. He played in four Pro Bowls and was twice selected as second-team All-Pro. He was named the team’s Most Valuable Player in 1972 and won the Chuck Drulis Award in 1973.

McMillan was a team captain and inspiration to his Cardinal teammates.

“Ernie McMillan is a professional football player’s football player,” teammate Jackie Smith once said.

Throughout his playing career, McMillan enjoyed working with youth programs and was honored many times for his community service. He often spoke at local churches, schools and organizations such as the YMCA. He also published Proud Magazine, which was designed to give the black community in St. Louis a voice and a focus.

After retiring from football, McMillan served as offensive line coach for the Green Bay Packers and later the Cardinals where he worked under his former coach Jim Hanifan.