CHERRYVILLE, N.C., Oct. 17 (UPI) -- Charlie "Choo Choo" Justice, one of the great running backs in college football history, died Friday morning at his home in Cherryville, N.C.
He was 79.
An official cause of death is still being determined. Long-time friend Hugh Morton said Justice had been in failing health for the last five years.
Justice earned part of his fame on the gridiron as a two-time Heisman Trophy runnerup at North Carolina. The Tar Heels went 32-7-2 and played in three bowl games in his four-year stay.
A back in the old single-wing formation, Justice rushed for 2,634 yards and 28 touchdowns on 526 carries, and also completed 159-of-321 passes for 2,249 yards with 25 touchdowns and 32 interceptions.
After his days at UNC, Justice enjoyed a brief NFL career with Washington in 1950 and 1952-54, and last year was voted to the list of the 70 Greatest Redskins.
"Greatness and humility are too seldom linked, but they certainly were with Charlie," said North Carolina Athletic Director John Swofford. "Our thoughts and prayers go out to his wife, Sarah and the entire Justice family. We have all lost a very good friend. His contributions to the University and intercollegiate athletics as a whole are immeasurable."
He was the first athlete named to the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame.
