Blair Kiel, the former Notre Dame and NFL quarterback and uncle of current Irish quarterback Gunner Kiel, died Sunday at Columbus Regional Hospital, Bartholomew (Ind.) County coroner Allen Smith said.

Kiel was 50 years old.

An autopsy showed that Kiel died of natural causes shortly after noon Eastern Time. Officials are awaiting toxicology and tissue tests.

Kiel then played parts of seven seasons for three different NFL teams -- the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who drafted him in the 11th round of the 1984 draft, Indianapolis Colts and Green Bay Packers.

He started three games appeared in 25 games in five seasons with the Buccaneers, Colts and Packers from 1984 to 1991. He completed 108 of 193 career passes for 1,296 yards and eight touchdowns and seven interceptions. Kiel also averaged 37.1 yards on 17 punts for the Colts.

Sad to hear, way to young. What I remember about him is when an interviewer tried to create some QB controversy he talked about how fortunate he was to be able to play in the NFL, happy to be a Packer, and earn the money was making. Great attitude - end of story. Condolenses to his family.

Originally Posted by: PackerTraxx 

The Packers signed him in 1988 and he played in one game but did not throw a pass. He rejoined Green Bay in 1990 and played two seasons. He saw his most extensive action in December 1990 under head coach Lindy Infante, as the Packers started three quarterbacks - Don Majkowski, Anthony Dilweg and Kiel - in a 6-10 season.

After rallying Green Bay in a 20-14 loss to Seattle on Dec. 9, Kiel started against Detroit at Lambeau Field two weeks later. He threw an interception in the red zone as the Packers were driving late in the fourth quarter in the 24-17 loss to the Lions.

Kiel finished the 1990 season with a 74.8 quarterback rating, the highest on the team. He completed 51 of 85 passes for 504 yards and two touchdowns with two interceptions. He also rushed for one touchdown.

In 1991, Kiel appeared in four regular-season games with one start. He threw two touchdown passes in the fourth quarter of a 23-21 loss to the Rams in Week 5 in relief of Majkowski..

He started in Week 6 against the Dallas Cowboys at County Stadium in Milwaukee, completing 18 of 35 passes. Kiel threw a 13-yard touchdown pass to Sterling Sharpe in the fourth quarter, but the Packers fell short as the Cowboys held on for a 20-17 victory.

Playing behind the injured Majkowski and ineffective backup Mike Tomczak in a dismal 4-12 campaign, Kiel's season statistics included 29 completions in 50 attempts for 361 yards. He threw three touchdown passes and two interceptions for an 83.8 rating, the best on the team.