SOUTH DAKOTA STRAIGHT TALK

Events of long ago regardless of their grandeur are little remembered with the passage of time. De facto understandable as few remember.

In Memoriam – Last Thursday perhaps the greatest quarterback in National Football League History passed away. Slinging Sammy Baugh at the age of 94 went to Horned Frog Heaven.

Baugh was quarterback for Texas Christian University and was named All American in 1935 and 1936. In college in three seasons he threw 587 passes for 39 touchdowns. He and the Frogs won two Bowl games including the first Cotton Bowl game in 1937. In 1936 Sam finished fourth in the Heisman Trophy balloting.

Baugh was perhaps the greatest Pro football player that no one can name.

In 1937 Sammy Baugh was drafted in the first round by the Washington Redskins for whom he played until 1952. He not only was their quarterback but also a defensive back and punter. In his rookie year he set the NFL record for completions of 91 in 218 attempts for a season total of 1127 yards. (From Wikipedia) “He led the Redskins to the NFL Championship game against the Chicago Bears, where he finished 17 of 33 for 335 yards and his second-half touchdown passes of 55, 78 and 33 yards gave Washington a 28–21 victory.”

His records still stand. At quarterback – most seasons (6) leading the league in passing and most seasons (5) leading the league with lowest interception percentage. As a punter he holds the second highest punting average (45.1 yards). Baugh still holds the record for the highest punting average in a single season (51.4 yards). As a defensive back he was the first player in NFL history to intercept 4 passes in a game. He is the only player in NFL history to lead the league in passing, punting and interceptions in a single season.

In 1963 was inducted in the Inaugural Class of 17 to The Pro Football Hall of Fame that included a few more memorable names if not quite as talented: George Halas, Bronco Nagurski, Red Grange, Jim Thorpe, Curly Lambeau among others.

A Few Facts from Wikipedia

75th Anniversary Team by the NFL (1994)

43rd greatest athlete of the 20th century by the Associated Press (1999)

3rd greatest NFL player of the 20th century by the Associated Press (1999)

4th greatest college football player by SPORT magazine (1999)

Named as the Most Versatile Player of all-time by the NFL Network (2007)

While many today won’t remember Sam Baugh (and I never saw him play) he is with me in memory.