The Carolina football family is stunned this week at the sudden death of Mike Mansfield, an outstanding linebacker from the early 1970s.

            Mansfield died at his home Tuesday in Greensboro of an apparent heart attack. Funeral arrangements were being completed as of Friday morning. We’ll post additional information as soon as available.

            “Mike was an inspiration to his team at UNC as a player,” former Tar Heel Coach Bill Dooley said. “He should also be remembered for his leadership qualities and his ability to motivate both the Tar Heel teams he played for and also the players he coached at Virginia Tech. He was good friend who did so much for the game of football.

            “My thoughts and prayers are with his family during this most difficult time.”

            Mansfield lettered three years from 1970-72 and was a key defensive player on teams that won back-to-back ACC titles. He was first-team All-ACC in 1972.

            Mansfield was 63 and was from Norfolk, Va.

            “What a shock,” said Don McCauley, the former All-America tailback who was a senior in Mansfield’s sophomore year. “He was just at our Lettermen’s spring reunion and seemed as healthy as ever. He was always in great shape. Mike was tough as nails and was an incredible athlete. Not many guys could play linebacker and quarterback on the same team.”