UNC, Rocky Mount High School multisport legend Danny Talbott dies at age 75
Posted January 20, 2020 1:06 p.m. EST
Updated January 20, 2020 4:30 p.m. EST
Danny Talbott, a multisport legend both at UNC and before that at Rocky Mount High School, died at the age of 75, his family confirmed on Sunday.
A member of the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame, Talbott played three sports for the Tar Heels - football, where he won ACC Player of the Year honors as a quarterback, baseball and had a brief stint with the freshman basketball team. He attended UNC from 1963-67. He won ACC Player of the Year in 1965.
The baseball team made a College World Series appearance during his time at UNC in 1966. He was named ACC Athlete of the Year in 1966 as well.
At Rocky Mount High School, Talbott's teams won state titles in football, basketball and baseball.
"We were saddened to learn that Danny Talbott passed away earlier this morning after a long battle with cancer," UNC head football coach Mack Brown said in a statement. "Danny was one of the greatest Tar Heels to come through Chapel Hill having starred in both football and baseball, as well as playing basketball on the freshman team.
"He was respected and loved by many and will be missed. On behalf of the Carolina Football Family, we send our deepest condolences to Danny’s family and friends. Planning for services is ongoing and details will be shared when finalized."
His son Bryan also issued a statement:
"My dad Danny Talbott was a sports legend: ACC football Player of the Year, ACC Athlete of the Year, baseball All-American, pro football and baseball player, NC Sports Hall of Fame, UNC honored football jersey, recently named the cancer center in Rocky Mount after him," Talbott wrote, "but most of all he was a great dad and a great man. He had a heart of gold and made everyone he met feel good. He was selfless, generous, funny and kind.
"I love you dad and I’m glad you’re in heaven not suffering anymore."
Talbott's funeral service is scheduled for 11 am on Thursday, January 23rd. It will be held at the First Baptist Church (200 S. Church St.) in Rocky Mount. It is open to the public.
