The Pittsburgh Steelers of the 1970s lost another member on Saturday. Linebacker Marvin 'Marv' Kellum passed away in Pittsburgh after battling digestive, and myeloma cancers. Kellum was 70 years old. He leaves behind a wife, Sandy, two sons, and 4 grandchildren.
His GoFundMe Page
Kellum spent three years with the Steelers as a reserve linebacker after joining the team in 1974 from Wichita State. He played in all 14 games in each of his three seasons with the Steelers. Two of those seasons ended with the Steelers winning the Super Bowl.
After the Steelers had trouble moving the ball in the first half of Super Bowl IX they were kicking off to Minnesota to open the second half. During the return the Vikings' Bill Brown fumbled and Kellum recovered for the Steelers deep inside Vikings territory at the 30.The turnover jump started a stagnant Steelers offense. Four plays later Hall of Famer Franco Harris would take a handoff 9 yards into the endzone for the games first touchdown. It would be the first of two Steelers touchdowns as they'd win their first Super Bowl title, 16-6.
RIP Marv Kellum
— Steel City Star (@steelcitystar) February 5, 2023
The Steelers LB & special teamer made a crucial play to start the 2nd half of SBIX.
4 plays later the Steelers scored the game’s first TD which gave them a 9-point lead. pic.twitter.com/3UqHMj4QdH
Kellum's death comes a little over a month since the passing of Harris, and days after the death of another two time Super Bowl champion, Sidney Thornton.
In November a GoFundMe was set up for Kellum, and since then has raised nearly $24,000. The GoFundMe page described Kellum as a loving husband, and family man:
"Marv was recently diagnosed with digestive cancer and multiple myeloma cancer. As with everything he sets out to do, he is fighting hard to beat this cancer. This campaign will help raise funds to support Marv and his family with the ongoing expenses of his medical treatment.
Marv and his wife Sandy have been married for 46 years. Together they have two sons, three grandsons, and one granddaughter. He grew up on a farm in Kansas and went to Lecompton Highschool where he played 8-man football.
Marv has been a long-time employee and friend of MBM having worked at MBM for over 20 years. Before working at MBM, he was a linebacker for four seasons for the Pittsburgh Steelers and was a member of the Steeler's first two World Championships. He recovered a fumble on the opening kick-off of the second half of Super Bowl 10 which led to the game's first touchdown.
Marv spends most of his spare time watching his grandsons play sports. He loves to see the excitement that he once had playing sports. He also participates in many charity events such as golf outings and autograph signings to raise money for different charities his former football teammates have. He also hosts an annual charity golf outing that raises money for JDRF, the leading global organization funding type 1 diabetes, which is what his grandson Braden has had since age 4.
Marv is a true inspiration, a fighter, a hard worker, an incredible family man, and a friend to all that know him. It's now our turn to support Marv, so please show him your support and love and donate today. If you are unable to donate, please help spread the word by sharing this campaign."
RIP Marv Kellum. You will be missed.
#SteelerNation
