Former NFL and CFL football quarterback Doug Flutie speaks during a news conference for Canada's Sports Hall of Fame inductees in Toronto October 25, 2007. Flutie announced on Wednesday that both of his parents have died of heart attacks.MIKE CASSESE/Reuters
Former CFL star quarterback Doug Flutie says both of his parents died within an hour of each other.
Flutie says in a statement posted on his Facebook page that his father, Dick, died of a heart attack in a hospital in Florida, where the family moved years ago.
He said Wednesday that less than an hour later, his mother, Joan, also suffered a heart attack and died.
Flutie wrote: "They say you can die of a broken heart and I believe it."
Flutie did not elaborate on the circumstances of their deaths, but called them "incredible parents and grandparents" who had been married for 56 years and were always there for their children.
Flutie starred in the CFL with B.C., Calgary and Toronto from 1990 to 1997. He was a six-time recipient of the league's most outstanding player award and won three Grey Cup titles — with Calgary in 1992 and Toronto in 1996 and '97.
The 1984 Heisman Trophy winner also played in the NFL with Chicago, New England, Buffalo and San Diego and was a Pro Bowl selection in 1998 as a member of the Bills.
Flutie's brother Darren also played in the CFL from 1991 to 2002 as a receiver with B.C., Edmonton and Hamilton.
"On behalf of all of us at the CFL, heartfelt condolences to Doug Flutie and Darren Flutie on the loss of their parents," CFL Commissioner Jeffrey Orridge posted on Twitter.