![](https://lee.n8d.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/udlgd97-raguy.jpg)
CARD: Upper Deck Legends 1997
ACQUIRED: EBay, 2021
CAREER SNAPSHOT:
- Ray Guy was an incredible athlete that played 3 positions (K, P, SS) for Southern Mississippi from 1970-72.
- Over his time at the school he set multiple single game and career records.
- Became the first punter to be selected in the first round of the NFL Draft (1973).
- Right out of the gate, averaged 45.3 yards per punt his rookie season.
- From there he led the NFL in punting average in 1974 (42.2) and ’75 (43.8).
- Punted a career high 96 times for 4,195 yards in 1981.
- Over his career he had a streak of 619 punts without being blocked.
ACCOLADES:
- College Football Hall of Fame
- Pro Football Hall of Fame
- Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame
- Georgia Sports Hall of Fame
- NFL All 1970s Team
- Golden Toe Award
- NFL 75th Anniversary Team
- NFL 100th Anniversary Team
- Pro Bowl 1973-78, ’80
- All-Pro 1973-78
- Second Team AP 1979-80
NOTES:
Ray was greatly disrespected by not being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame sooner. This was due to the fact that there is a longstanding stigma against special teams players. He was finally elected in 2014… and promptly stopped signing TTM.
I waited to acquire Ray’s autograph until the prices started dropping. Thankfully before the prices spiked again after his passing, I was able to pick his certified up on his Legends card.
EPITAPH:
Ray passed away on November 3rd, 2022 at the age of 72 due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
P | YDS | AVG | LG | BLK |
---|---|---|---|---|
1049 | 44493 | 42.4 | 77 | 3 |