Former Yale captain Mike Pyle died on Wednesday. He was 76. Pyle, who was a center, played on the 1960 Bulldogs team that went 9-0 and he was eventually drafted by the Chicago Bears.

Here's what Register columnist Chip Malafronte wrote about Pyle in this week's "Sunday Gravy."

"It was a sad end for one of Yale football’s all-time greats. Mike Pyle, 76, died Wednesday at an Illinois facility for brain-damaged patients after a decade-long battle with dementia.

He is one of many former NFL players suing the league for neglecting dangers of head trauma, a potential $1 billion settlement being heard in federal court.

Pyle twice served as Yale captain, including the legendary 1960 squad, the Bulldogs first undefeated, untied team since 1923 and the only one in 92 seasons since. As a third-year pro with the Chicago Bears, he was elected team captain with his roommate, Mike Ditka, an honor he later held with Dick Butkus until Pyle’s tenure with the team ended in 1969.

Pyle recalled his nomination scene in the Bears locker room to Rich Marazzi for the 2014 book “A Bowl Full of Memories.”

“Big Doug Atkins stood up and said, ‘Mike Pyle will be the captain. He’s from Yale,’” Pyle said. “You had to hear him emphasize the word ‘Yale.’”

In nine seasons with the Bears, Pyle missed only five games. Upon retirement in 1969, he remained close to the team, working in broadcasting and co-hosting a show with Ditka. His condition, which family believes is chronic traumatic encephalopathy, or CTE, a degenerative disease of the brain, forced him into an assisted living facility in 2013."

Hines feature

Here's a story from the News&Observer about incoming WR Bo Hines, who has transferred in from North Carolina State. Hines talks about his political aspirations.

Yale showing interest in Weir

The Bulldogs have expressed interest in 6-3, 229-pound DL Vondero Weir from Louisiana, according to Nola.com.

Weir told Nola.com, "I feel honored that an Ivy League school is giving me the opportunity to get the best education possible and play football. Two of my dreams came true when Coach (Tony) Reno gave me the offer."

CSM preseason All-Ivy picks

A total of 14 Yale players have been selected to College Sports Madness preseason All-Ivy team.

First team selections include: C Luke Longinotti and DB Foye Oluokun.

Second team: QB Morgan Roberts, OL Khalid Cannon, WR Bo Hines, DT Copache Tyler and DB Cole Champion.

Third team: DE Earl Chism, TE Leo Haenni, PR Jamal Locke, WR, Robert Clemons, RB Candler Rich, DB Dale Harris and OL Mason Friedline.

Here's a look at the complete team.