Allegedly, Athletic Legend Lonnie Warwick Has passed away

It’s being reported that one of the region’s most celebrated athletic figures, Lonnie Warwick, has died. The former NFL linebacker and Mount Hope graduate allegedly passed away on October 28 at the age of 82. Warwick carved a remarkable path during his athletic career, making waves in both high school and college sports.

Warwick graduated from Mount Hope High School in 1960 and played in the memorable 1959 Class AA state championship game against Mullens, which ended in a 0-0 tie. He was not just a football star; he excelled in basketball as well, earning all-state selections in both sports.

His football journey began at the University of Tennessee before later transferring to Tennessee Tech, where he was honored with a Hall of Fame induction in 1978. Notably, Warwick became the first Tennessee Tech alumnus to play in a Super Bowl—Super Bowl IV, to be exact—where he represented the Minnesota Vikings in their loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. As part of the Vikings’ famed “Purple People Eaters” defense, Warwick played for eight seasons before finishing his career with the Atlanta Falcons.

Reflecting on his journey, Warwick once shared, “A guy coming from Mount Hope, West Virginia, and getting him a college degree and playing in the Super Bowl was a great experience.” His impact didn’t stop on the field; he transitioned into coaching, working with the Washington Redskins and several semi-pro teams in West Virginia.

In a testament to his contributions to the sport, Warwick was inducted into the West Virginia North-South Hall of Fame in 2013 and was recently honored by the Artie Sports Legends Museum. The legacy of Lonnie Warwick, a true sports icon, will undoubtedly live on in the hearts of many.