Tributes are pouring in following the death of former New York Jets quarterback Bill Demory at the age of 74.

The two-year NFL player and college star at the University of Arizona had been battling prostate cancer and Parkinson’s Disease prior to his pᴀssing.

The news was revealed by an online obituary, which revealed details of an upcoming memorial service close to his home in Phoenix, Arizona.

Demory was the back-up to Joe Namath on the Jets in the early 1970s, playing games in both the 1973 and 1974 seasons.

In his three starts for the teams, Demory led the Jets to a victory over the New England Patriots, before suffering defeats to the Steelers and Broncos.

He was signed by then-coach Weeb Ewbank, after the HC was given game film of Demory while attending a conference in Arizona.

Ex-New York Jets QB Bill Demory has died at the age of 74 following a battle with cancer

He was initially fifth on the depth chart when he arrived in New York, but soon moved up to third, behind Namath and Al Woodall.

His chance came when both of the QBs ahead of him picked up injuries, and he led the team to a 9-7 victory over the Patriots – despite going 1-for-7 on pᴀssing.

‘I was a marginal quarterback at Arizona, and ended up being in the right place at the right time with the Jets,’ he told the Observer-Dispatch in an interview in 2012.

Demory is survived by his wife Barbara, two sons – John Jr and Joe – two daughters – Kate and Andrea – and fourteen grandchildren between the ages of eight and 20.

After ending his NFL career, he became an account executive for Haggar Apparel Company for 16 years, before switching to an economics instructor at several colleges in Arizona, working for a further 17 years until his retirement in 2016. 

In the comments section of his online obituary, a tribute reads: ‘Bill was a real gentleman and very easy to talk to. A very humble and kind man who certainly led a very full life.’