© AP Photo In this June 23, 1974, file photo, West quarterback Jesse Freitas drops back during the Coaches All-America Game in Lubbock, Texas. A man found dead in a parked car in Northern California has been identified as Freitas, a former San Diego Chargers… Former Chargers quarterback Jesse Freitas was found dead in his car Sunday in Petaluma, Calif. Authorities announced Wednesday there was no indication of trauma or foul play.
Freitas, 63, was found fully clothed and unresponsive by a family walking in a Petaluma neighborhood, according to The Santa Rosa Press Democrat.
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Petaluma police Lt. Dan Fish said Frietas was in the area to meet a real estate agent, but missed the appointment. His body was discovered about 4:50 p.m.
"It's very likely he was there waiting for an appointment with a real estate agent and he laid down in back of (the) car with (the) door open and died from an unknown cause," Fish said.
After playing college ball at Stanford and San Diego State, Freitas was drafted by the Chargers in the sixth round in 1974. He backed up Dan Fouts during the 1974 and 1975 seasons, playing in 13 games and throwing eight touchdowns.
Freitas ran into legal troubles after football as he was arrested for petty theft, hit-and-run, trespassing and violating restraining orders.
Freitas’ family, which claimed he had a mental illness, agred to have his brain analyzed for possible trauma caused by football injuries.
Freitas, 63, was found fully clothed and unresponsive by a family walking in a Petaluma neighborhood, according to The Santa Rosa Press Democrat.
MORE: Notable sports deaths of 2015 | NFL Films founder Ed Sabol dies | Giants co-owner Ann Mara dies
Petaluma police Lt. Dan Fish said Frietas was in the area to meet a real estate agent, but missed the appointment. His body was discovered about 4:50 p.m.
"It's very likely he was there waiting for an appointment with a real estate agent and he laid down in back of (the) car with (the) door open and died from an unknown cause," Fish said.
After playing college ball at Stanford and San Diego State, Freitas was drafted by the Chargers in the sixth round in 1974. He backed up Dan Fouts during the 1974 and 1975 seasons, playing in 13 games and throwing eight touchdowns.
Freitas ran into legal troubles after football as he was arrested for petty theft, hit-and-run, trespassing and violating restraining orders.
Freitas’ family, which claimed he had a mental illness, agred to have his brain analyzed for possible trauma caused by football injuries.
