clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Former Saints Fullback and Color Analyst Hokie Gajan Passes Away

A bad week keeps getting worse for Saints fans...

George Rose/Getty Images

Former Saints fullback, scout, and color analyst Howard Lee "Hokie" Gajan lost his battle to a rare form of cancer called liposarcoma late last night. He was only 56 years old.

Gajan was a 10th round draft pick of the Saints in 1981, playing fullback/running back for the team from 1981 to 1985 and starting 36 games. His best season came in 1984 when he led the team in receiving yards and 7 touchdowns. He also had a league-best rushing average of six yards per carry that year.

When his playing career ended in 1987, he became a team scout for nearly 20 years. Gajan began working next to Jim Henderson in 2000 as color analyst for Saints game radio broadcasts on WWL.

He leaves behind a wife, Judy, four daughters and nine grandchildren.

Hokie was elected to the Saints Hall of Fame last month along with Will Smith.

Friends and colleagues have been sending condolences and sharing their favorite Hokie stories on Twitter all morning. Please share your favorite story below.