Jim Hudson, trainer and Super Bowl winner, dead at 70

Jim Hudson, a trainer for more than 30 years who was a member of the New York Jets team that won the Super Bowl in 1969, died at his home in Austin, Texas, on Tuesday, according to a family member. He had been suffering from Parkinson’s disease. Hudson was 70.

Hudson played safety for the Jets. He was also the roommate of quarterback Joe Namath, who he played against in the Orange Bowl when both were seniors in college. Namath was the quarterback for Alabama, and Hudson the quarterback for the University of Texas. Hudson was also a member of the Texas team that won the national championship in 1963.

“He’s probably one of the few people who ever played that won a national championship and a Super Bowl,” said trainer Bob Young, a longtime friend of Hudson’s.

Hudson made occasional visits to Belmont Park during his time with the Jets, as the team’s training camp was located near the track. Upon retiring from football, Hudson began training Quarter Horses in Texas. He then transitioned to Thoroughbreds, and raced in Arkansas, Louisiana, and Texas.

The list of stakes winners that Hudson trained included Snug, who captured the $100,000 Louisiana Cup Turf Classic at Louisiana Downs in 2010; Icy Morn, a 12-time stakes winner who earned nearly $400,000; and Daggett’s Crossing, a six-time stakes winner of more than $300,000. Among other stakes winners for Hudson were Harlan Street, Local, and Lydia Jane.

Hudson said in a 2010 interview with D aily Racing Form that racing was a good fit for his competitive nature.

“You always enjoy the rush you get during a race,” he said. “That’s about the thing you miss more than anything as an athlete. The rush you get before kickoff. It’s an adrenaline rush.”

Hudson retired from training about a year and a half ago. He had long been a regular at Louisiana Downs.

“Jim was a fun-loving guy,” Young said. “He enjoyed racing. He enjoyed the camaraderie. He liked being around the guys.”

Young said services for Hudson will be held at 1 p.m. Monday at Riverbend Church in Austin.