SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- Former Syracuse football player Chris Gedney is being laid to rest Thursday.

Dozens said goodbye to the former All-American at his calling hours Wednesday.

Gedney died last Friday at the age of 47.

After his football career, Gendey entered broadcasting, which led him to become one of the voices of Orange football.

Joseph Stevens was a custodian for the Syracuse University football team at the time Gedney was a player.  He says Gedney was one of the few players that had the respect of everyone, and that his death is a big loss for the Orange family.

"When we lose people left to right, it gets to you. I said to my significant other, it's like losing family. You hate to go to someone that's younger than you. It's one big happy family,” Stevens said.

Gedney is survived by his wife and four children.