Lynn Chandnois, one of MSU’s all-time great two-way football players, died Thursday at the age of 86.
Chandnois played for the Spartans from 1946 through 1949 and is MSU’s all-time leader in interceptions, with 20, and his 6.55 rushing yards per carry and 29 rushing touchdowns rank in the Top 10 all-time at MSU.
Chandnois led the Spartans in scoring as a freshman, totaling six touchdowns, then led the team again as a junior and senior, with 12 and 10, respectively. On defense, he led the Spartans in interceptions in his final three seasons, totaling 17 in those years.
Chandnois earned First-Team All-America honors his senior year and was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers and went on to have a productive NFL career as a running back and kick returner.
Chandnois spent seven seasons in the NFL as and qualified for the Pro Bowl in 1952 and 1953. He ranks second in NFL history in career kick return yards average with 29.6, and trails only Gale Sayers, whose 30.6 return yard average is the best ever.
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