John Wilbur, a former NFL player, University of Hawaii assistant football coach and professional player agent, died late Monday at age 70 after a lengthy illness.

Wilbur was a Diamond Head area resident who counted Hunter S. Thompson and the Kennedy family among his friends and former UH football players Rich Miano and Jesse Sapolu as his clients.

The Stanford graduate with an MBA from UCLA was known for his intelligence and ferocity as an offensive lineman for the Dallas Cowboys, Los Angeles Rams and Washington Redskins. He started in the 1973 Super Bowl for the Redskins, and ended his playing career with The Hawaiians of the World Football League in 1975. He was also active as a union player rep.

After a 10-year pro football career the San Diego native settled in Hawaii and was a longtime player and coach in the Hawaii rugby community.

Wilbur coached special teams for UH under Dick Tomey in the 1980s, when the Rainbows were known for excellence in the kicking game, especially at blocking kicks.

He is survived by daughters Dione and Lindsea, son Nathan and four grandchildren. Services are pending.