
Former San Francisco 49ers defensive lineman Roland Lakes passed away Monday at the age of 73.
Below is the copy from the press release the team sent out:
A Mississippi native, Smith played defensive tackle at Wichita State University, and was later drafted by the 49ers in the 2nd round of the 1961 NFL Draft.
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Until 2010, Lakes had been the 49ers youngest starting lineman in team history, as he was 21 years, 11 months and 24 days old when he suited up in 1961. He went on to remain in San Francisco for 10 of his 11 NFL seasons.
Lakes appeared in all 140 games while with the 49ers and is a member of the teams 10-Year Club, a shrine representing longevity, success and consistency that honors members of the 49ers who served the franchise for at least a decade.
Lakes played one season with the New York Giants before retiring in 1971.
After retiring from football, Lakes worked as a consultant in San Pablo, CA. He was born in Vicksburg, MS, on December 25, 1939. Funeral arrangements are still pending.