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PROVO — A former BYU tight end and college football Hall of Famer died this week of natural causes at his California home.
Gordon Linn Hudson, 59, died peacefully Monday, Sept. 27 in San Jose, California, where he was living, according to a Legacy obituary published Wednesday.
A two-time unanimous All-American in 1982 and 1983, Hudson holds NCAA records for most passes caught by a tight end per game (5.4), most career yards per game by a tight end (75.3), and most yards in a game by a tight end, when he had 259 against Utah.
"Gordon was a phenomenal player who opened up the Cougar passing game in ways previously unseen from his tight end position," BYU athletic director Tom Holmoe said in a statement. "I will always remember our great College Football Hall of Fame teammate and what he did for BYU."
As a senior, Hudson teamed with Hall of Fame quarterback Steve Young to set a national record of 44 catches and six touchdowns before an injury-shortened season, according to his obituary.
He went on to a professional career with the LA Express in the USFL — where he was also teammates with Young — before one season with the NFL's Seattle Seahawks.
"One of the more unique human beings," Young told BYUtv. "Much love for somebody that was way more confident than me, much more productive than me — especially early. And a running buddy that I miss."
Born June 22, 1962, in Everett, Washington, Hudson eventually matriculated to Brighton High School, where he lettered twice each in football, basketball and baseball.
The 6-foot-4, 231-pound tight end chose BYU over offers from Oregon State, Montana, Idaho, Washington and Washington State, where he went on to a three-year career of 178 receptions for 2,484 yards and 22 touchdowns before departing for the pro ranks. Hudson grew to become arguably the greatest tight end in BYU history, putting up the kinds of numbers only duplicated by Dennis Pitta and Matt Bushman since the two-time All-Western Athletic Conference star roamed campus in Provo.
As a senior, Hudson teamed with Young to haul in an NCAA-record 44 catches and six touchdowns in an injury-shortened season, earning All-WAC first-team honors and unanimous All-America first-team honors for the second consecutive season.
After his retirement, Hudson went on to coach in the Arena Football League for the San Jose Sabercats from 1995-97 as offensive coordinator, as well as head coach of the Utah Catzz of the PIFL in 1998.
Hudson was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2009, becoming the first non-quarterback to represent BYU in the Hall that also houses his legendary coach LaVell Edwards, Ty Detmer, Jim McMahon, Marc Wilson, Gifford Nielsen, and Young, among others.
"Gordon Hudson completely reinvented the tight end position during his outstanding career at BYU," said Archie Manning, chairman of the National Football Foundation, in a statement. "His remarkable catches and performances are legendary in Provo, and we send our thoughts and prayers to his family, friends and the entire BYU community."
An active husband, father and grandfather, Hudson was also passionate as head coach of his son's Cottonwood Colts Little League football team in Holladay from 2002-06, according to his obituary, including winning a state championship in 2002. He also coached at Northridge High for three season from 2011-13, according to his obituary.
Hudson married his wife, the former Mindy Carr, in 1982. He is survived by his children Ryan, Mackenzie, Kylie, Chandler, and three grandchildren.
He is also survived by his parents, sisters Jana, Kay and Ariana, as well as several nieces and nephews.
A memorial will be held for the former BYU tight end in 2022. The family asks that donations intended to assist the family with final arrangements for his burial be made through PayPal under the email address GordonHudsonMemorial@gmail.com.
Family, friends and fans are also encouraged to send their favorite Hudson memory to the same address.
