When the Colts moved to Indianapolis in 1984, Nesby Glasgow moved with them.
He lined up at free safety for all 16 games that season, before moving to strong safety for the next three.
If you followed the #Colts soon after the move, you know his name. https://t.co/994T7KtEQ1
— IndyStar Sports (@IndyStarSports) February 27, 2020
Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay was among the first of many to offer condolences on social media.
He called Glasgow “a good man” and related his history with the Colts.
Former players, fans, and friends unanimously recalled Glasgow´s smile and personality above all else.
He was diagnosed with advanced stomach and liver cancer in 2017.
But he was determined to fight despite his prognosis.
“You never give up. Too many people give in to cancer and I’m telling you that it doesn’t define you,” Glasgow said after his diagnosis. “I decided right away that I was not going to allow chemotherapy to dictate what happens next in my life. You fight, and you believe in yourself. I always have, and I always will.”
Famous Before the NFL
Colts fans remember Glasgow fondly, but possibly not as fondly as University of Washington football fans.
As a senior in 1978, Glasgow helped the Huskies win their first conference title in 14 years.
Then he went out and clinched an upset victory over Michigan in the Rose Bowl.
RIP UW Husky legend Nesby Glasgow. Passed away at age 62 due to cancer. Key member of Don James first Rose Bowl championship team. We actually followed each other on twitter last few years and was always nice chatting with him. pic.twitter.com/edvEgBii3n
— HuskiesFan91 (@Go_Dawgs_91) February 26, 2020
Glasgow´s interception with 32 seconds left clinched a 27-20 win for Washington.
Fans still talked about that when Glasgow showed up in Indianapolis.
In all, Glasgow started 57 games over his four years in Indy.
He suffered along with Colts fans as the team struggled to a 12-26 record through 1986.
But the Colts were a playoff team in 1987.
Unfortunately, an injury ended Glasgow´s season before the playoffs.
Then, the team released him during the offseason.
Still, Glasgow said he was happy he got to see a winning season for the Indianapolis fans before he moved on.
14 Years of Safety Play
Glasgow was drafted by the Baltimore Colts in the 1979 draft.
He was an eight-round selection but won a starting job in his second year.
We are sadden by the passing of former @Colts & @Seahawks Safety Nesby Glasgow (@NesbyG). Nesby was an active member of NFLA and our thoughts and prayers are with his family.
— NFL Alumni (@NFLAlumni) February 26, 2020
He never relinquished that role in 8 years with the Baltimore and Indianapolis Colts.
Indianapolis voted him the team´s best defensive player in 1984.
Defensive coordinator Rick Venturi called him the director of the defense.
“You need somebody as a director. Having that element makes you feel good as a coach,” said Venturi.
Glasgow returned punts and kicks in his early years.
R.I.P. Nesby Glasgow.
He takes a punt back 75 yards for the TD.
Week 12, 1979#Colts pic.twitter.com/HdiEMzFbkV— Old Time Football 🏈 (@Ol_TimeFootball) February 26, 2020
As a rookie, he ran one punt back 75 yards for a touchdown.
He picked off 10 passes in four seasons as a free safety in Baltimore.
Glasgow had only two interceptions over his four years in Indy, where he played mostly strong safety.
He wrapped up his 14-season career playing for the Seattle Seahawks.
The Seahawks family is deeply saddened by the passing of legend Nesby Glasgow.
Nesby was a champion in the community and he will be missed by many. pic.twitter.com/EKrlM9heXg
— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) February 26, 2020
He finished his career with 15 interceptions and 17 fumble recoveries, one of which he returned for a touchdown.
Nesby Glasgow was just 62 years old.
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