Former New Orleans Saints guard Conrad Dobler dead at 72

Former New Orleans Saints guard Conrad Dobler has passed away Monday at the age of 72.

Dobler was a very good player who spent 10 years in the NFL, including six with the Cardinals (1972-77), two with the Saints (1978-79) and two with Buffalo (1980-81).

A three-time Pro Bowl selection with the St. Louis Cardinals, Dobler was traded by St. Louis to the Saints in 1978, along with wide receiver Ike Harris for guard Terry Stieve and defensive lineman Bob Pollard, who would earn induction into the Saints Hall of Fame in 1995.

Dobler had a reputation as a mean, nasty player.

Sports Illustrated dubbed him “pro football’s dirtiest player” in a feature in 1977.

Dobler played in just three games for the Saints in 1978, suffering a knee injury which put him out for the season.

He started all 14 games in 1979.

The Saints traded Dobler to the Buffalo Bills in 1980 for a draft choice.

Dobler authored two books on his career, including “They Call me Dirty” with Vic Carucci and “Pride and Perseverance: A Story of Courage, Hope and Redemption.”

Dobler, who underwent nine knee surgeries after his career ended, struggled with his health in recent years.