Longtime NFL scouting specialist Tom Modrak dies at 74

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. (AP) - Longtime NFL scouting and personnel specialist Tom Modrak, who broke into the league with his hometown Pittsburgh Steelers, has died. He was 74.

Modrak died at his home near St. Augustine, Florida, on Tuesday as a result of a neurological disease discovered late last year. Modrak spent the past five years serving as executive director of BLESTO, a scouting service affiliated with numerous NFL teams.

Modrak began his career as a part-time scout with the Steelers in 1973 before being hired by the team full-time in 1978. He eventually headed Pittsburgh's scouting department before taking over as Philadelphia Eagles director of football operations in 1998.

Modrak was hired by the Buffalo Bills after he was fired by the Eagles in 2001. He spent 11 seasons in Buffalo in various personnel jobs, including vice president of college scouting.

Modrak is survived by his wife, Sandy, and two daughters. Funeral arrangements were not immediately available.

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