Terry Tausch, a two-time All-America offensive lineman for the University of Texas and second-round draft pick of the Minnesota Vikings, died Wednesday night, the school announced. He was 61 years old.
According to a news release issued by the university, Tausch died at his home in Plano, Texas. His brother, Gary, told KENS-TV in San Antonio that Terry Tausch died suddenly.
A New Braunsfel, Texas, native, Tausch played for the Longhorns from 1978-81, lettering all four years. He was inducted into the Texas Athletic Hall of Honor in 2001.
As a senior in 1981, Tausch was a consensus All-American as he helped the Longhorns to a 10-1-1 record and No. 2 ranking in the AP Poll to end the season — a season capped off with a 14-12 win over No. 3 Alabama in the Cotton Bowl. Texas was 35-12-1 in Tausch’s four seasons at the school.
The Vikings selected Tausch with the 39th overall pick in 1982, and he played in Minnesota from 1982-88, starting 68 of his 81 games. He played with San Francisco in 1989, his final professional season. He did not start a game but did play in all three playoff games as the 49ers won Super Bowl XXIV that season.
Tausch is survived by his wife, Ela, and sons Nicholas and Eric, both of whom played college football.
