Since my original post, Tom has scaled back signing. He now only signs one card per request TTM. I was happy to add him on his Action Packed card, although I had other set needs such as his Fleer 1990. The Stadium Club and the Upper Deck cards were acquired through the Canton Acquisition when Bryan briefly got out of the card market. Not my favorite. Just part of the package.
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.
