One of the greatest Bulldogs of all time – Bill Stanfill – has passed away.

A member of the College Football Hall of Fame, 1968 All-American and Outland Trophy winner was 69.

His death comes following complications after undergoing hip surgery 10 days ago, although his health had already been in decline.

"Bill was probably the greatest athlete as a lineman I ever coached,” said former UGA head coach and director of athletics Vince Dooley. “He could have been a great tight end as well. Against the triple option, he was the only player that could take the quarterback, the dive back, and the pitch man. Bill was a great person, great warrior, and a great Bulldog.”

A native of Cairo, Stanfill played defensive tackle for the Bulldogs from 1966 through 1968, earning All-SEC honors each year, including SEC Lineman of the Year in 1968.

During his three seasons with the Bulldogs, Georgia went 26-6-2, winning a pair of SEC titles.

“He was everything you’d want in a defensive tackle,” Dooley once said. “He combined speed, size, range, quickness and competitiveness to make him one of the greatest linemen to ever play the game.”

He was voted to the College Football Hall of Fame in 1998.

His professional career with the Miami Dolphins was just as esteemed.

In his eight years with Don Shula’s Dolphins, Stanfill started 91 games, recovering eight fumbles and picked off two passes, returning each for touchdowns.

A four-time All-Pro, Stanfill played in four straight Pro Bowls from 1971-1974.

He finished his NFL career with 67½ sacks.

"On the field, he was a fierce competitor," said Don Shula, Stanfill's coach at Miami. "His toughness served as an example to the entire team and was a key reason why he was so respected by teammates and opponents alike."

A resident of Albany, Stanfill was successful in private business and active in numerous community activities and organizations. Many more honors came his way since his retirement from the game of football. He was inducted into the UGA Circle of Honor in 2000. He was inducted into the State of Georgia Sports Hall of Fame in 1984, named to the 25-Year All-SEC Team from 1961-85, the All-SEC Quarter Century Team from 1950-74, and the 1960's All-SEC team.

Funeral services are scheduled for Monday, Nov. 14, at 2 p.m. at First Methodist Church in Albany. Attendees are asked to wear red and black.