Former Bill Kent Hull Dead at 50

One of the keystones of the Buffalo Bills during their championship years in the 1990's has died suddenly. Center Kent Hull was 50.

The announcement was made Tuesday at Mississippi State University, where Hull played in college. After his NFL career, Hull worked on his cattle ranch in the northeastern part of the state.

Jim Kelly, who brought Hull with him from the USFL when that league folded, called him a "man of great courage and character" in a statement released by the Bills. Marv Levy, who coached the team in the 1990's, said that Hull "represented everything that sports should be", while former running back Thurman Thomas told the Associated Press, "My heart breaks for his amazing family. My heart breaks period."

The cause of death was not reported. Hull is survived by his wife, Kay, and children Drew and Ellen. Funeral arrangements were not announced on Tuesday.

(espn.go.com/Associated Press)