He was a superstar on the football field and at the car dealership. Former Detroit Lions running back Mel Farr died at the age of 70. The cause of death was not immediately available. Farr played with the Lions from 1967 to 1973 and was twice named to the Pro Bowl. When he left the game he became a well-known local auto dealer. Farr, who was dubbed “Mel Farr Superstar,” bought his first dealership in 1975 with. He starred in his own commercials, often wearing a cape.