Doug Flutie's parents die within hour of each other

Former NFL quarterback Doug Flutie said his parents died within an hour of each other Wednesday.

Flutie said on his Facebook page that his father, Dick, died of a heart attack in a Florida hospital and that his mother, Joan, also suffered a heart attack and died less than an hour later.

Flutie wrote: "They say you can die of a broken heart and I believe it.

"I would like to honor my parents for all that they did throughout my and my brothers' and sister's lives. My parents were always there for their children, from the days my dad coached us as kids and my mom would work the concession stands, through to this morning.''

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. His parents moved to Florida a number of years ago.

The 1984 Heisman Trophy winner at Boston College, Flutie, 53, played 13 seasons in the NFL with Chicago, New England, Buffalo and San Diego. He also spent a year in the USFL with the New Jersey Generals, and won three Grey Cup titles in eight seasons in the Canadian Football League with British Columbia, Calgary and Toronto.

Boston College tweeted its condolences, saying, "Our hearts go out to the Flutie family, all of whom are in our prayers.''

The Bills released a statement saying the "organization was deeply saddened today to hear the news of the passing of Doug Flutie's parents. Doug remains one of the most beloved figures in our franchise's history and our deepest sympathies and condolences go out to Doug and his entire family during this most difficult time."

From staff and wire reports