RIP, Jack Kemp

Well, this is certainly some sad news.

A spokeswoman says Jack Kemp, the former Bills quarterback, Buffalo-area congressman and one-time vice presidential nominee, has died at age 73.

Kemp, the former U.S. housing secretary, was undergoing treatment for an "undetermined" type of cancer, according to a previous statement released by his office.

Kemp was a major figure in national Republican politics for more than three decades. He served nine terms as a Hamburg-based congressman from 1971 to '89, following a 13-year career in professional football.

Here's a bio.

More here.

Jack Kemp, the ex-quarterback, congressman, one-time vice-presidential nominee and self-described "bleeding-heart conservative" died Saturday.

His spokeswoman Bona Park and longtime friend and former campaign adviser Edwin J. Feulner confirmed that Kemp died after a lengthy illness.

Kemp had announced in January 2009 that he had been diagnosed with cancer. He said he was undergoing tests but gave no other detail.

Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell called Kemp "one of the nation's most distinguished public servants, Jack was a powerful voice in American politics for more than four decades."

More on his life before politics.

Kemp played quarterback for the Bills from 1962 to '69, compiling a 43-31-3 record. His name is on the team's Wall of Fame at Ralph Wilson Stadium. During his 11-year pro career, Kemp was named first-team All-Pro on two occasions.

One of his finest moments as a Bill came during the 1965 season when he led the team to an AFL championship, capped with a 23-0 victory over the host San Diego Chargers — a two-touchdown favorite — in the title game.

Kemp also led the Bills to the 1964 AFL title with a 20-7 victory over the Chargers in War Memorial Stadium.

He was a 17th round 1957 NFL draft pick by the Detroit Lions but was cut before the season began. After being released by three more NFL teams and playing in the Canadian Football League over the next three years, he joined the AFL's Los Angeles Chargers as a free agent in 1960. A waivers foul-up two years later would land him with the Bills, who got him at the bargain basement price of $100.