Massachusetts native Philip Vandersea, a former member of a championship-winning NFL team, has passed away at the age of 83.
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A three-sport athlete at Northbridge High School in Massachusetts, Vandersea showed his ability to compete in a variety of venues. He played football, baseball, and basketball while becoming a future member of the school's Hall of Fame.
Vandersea continued his athletic career at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. He spent extensive time on the football field while lining up at multiple positions. He played fullback, punted, and notched an interception on defense. Once again, he cemented himself as a future Hall of Famer.
UMass notes that Vandersea stood out as one of the greatest fullbacks in program history while helping the team to an undefeated 8-0-1 season in 1963. Two years later, he rushed 100 times while posting 388 yards and six touchdowns.
The Green Bay Packers and Denver Broncos both tried to land the Massachusetts native during their respective drafts. The Broncos selected Vandersea with a ninth-round pick in the 1965 AFL Redshirt Draft. The Packers selected him with a 16th-round pick in the 1965 NFL Draft.
Vandersea spent his NFL career playing primarily for the Packers. He also spent the 1967 season with the Saints. As a member of the Packers, he contributed on defense and on special teams while working under head coach Vince Lombardi and winning Super Bowl 1.
Former Packers LB Phil Vandersea, a member of the Packers’ 1966 Super Bowl I team, passed away on October 24 in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts. Our condolences to his family, friends, and teammates. pic.twitter.com/OIvbZtnUtE
— Packerville, U.S.A. (@Packerville) October 27, 2026
The Super Bowl champion's NFL career ended after the 1969 season. He missed time in 1970 and 1971 due to injuries and then he spent one season in the Canadian Football League with the Montreal Alouettes. Once his playing career ended, he spent four years as a coach at the College of the Holy Cross.
The family noted that Vandersea also spent 20 years working for the Massachusetts Department of Corrections in multiple roles.
According to Carr Funeral Home, a Celebration of Life gathering will take place on Nov. 8, 2026, from 12:00-3:00pm at A.J. Tomaiolo's Restaurant in Northborough, Massachusetts.
