Hall of Famer Ray Guy Passes Away

November 3, 2022 by footballfoundation.org

(NOTE: CollegeFootballPoll.com's Dave Congrove is along-time voter for the Ray Guy Award. He and the entire college football community give their condolences to his family and friends.)

IRVING, Texas (Nov. 3, 2022) – Ray Guy, the first punter to be inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame and the first player ever from the University of Southern Mississippi to be enshrined, passed away Nov. 3 after a lengthy illness. He was 72.

"We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Ray Guy," said NFF Chairman Archie Manning. "Widely regarded as the greatest of all-time, Ray Guy redefined a position, and the top punting award in college football fittingly bears his name. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends, and we hope they take some solace in knowing that his accomplishments will be forever immortalized in the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta."

Guy, a 2004 inductee who starred at Southern Mississippi from 1970 to 1972, started at defensive back and was the backup quarterback, but it was his prowess as a kicker and punter that has made his name synonymous with special teams excellence.

A unanimous First Team All-America selection in 1972, he led the nation with a 46.2 yards per punt average, which led to appearances in the Senior Bowl, East/West Shrine Game, All-America Bowl and College All-Star Game, of which he was named MVP.

He averaged 45.3 yards per punt as a sophomore, which was second in the nation, and 42.9 yards as a junior.

Averaging 44.7 yards per punt for his career, which remains a school record, Guy recorded three punts for over 70 yards, including a record 93-yarder against Ole Miss as a senior. Displaying his on-field versatility, Guy also intercepted 18 passes in his career and kicked 25 field goals, including a 61-yarder against Utah State to set the NCAA record at the time.

Guy set numerous records in college, and his legacy as one of the greats in college football history is secured by the Ray Guy Award, which is given annually to the top collegiate punter in the nation by the Augusta (GA) Sports Council.

After graduation, he was drafted in the first round of the 1973 NFL Draft by the Oakland Raiders as the first punter to ever be taken in the first round. He played for 14 years (1973-86) with the Raiders; won three Super Bowls; and redefined the position at the pro level. He was a six-time First Team All-Pro selection and seven-time Pro Bowl selection. In 2014, he earned induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Devoted to his craft, he continued to teach the position he perfected, co-founding the Ray Guy Kicking Academy and Talent Research Program. Guy volunteered with the American Cancer Society, the Boy Scouts of America and the American Heart Association. Guy also worked at his alma mater as the Director of the M-Club and Community Relations. In recognition of his accomplishments and contributions, the University dedicated the street in front of its athletic building, The Duff Athletic Center, as Ray Guy Way in the summer of 2015.

In addition to his football prowess, Guy is also recognized one of the best baseball pitchers in Golden Eagle history, pitching one of only six no-hitters in school history and being drafted three times.

The Thomson, Georgia, native is also a member of the Bay Area, Southern Miss M-Club, Mississippi, Georgia and National High School Sports halls of fame.

Guy, who was born on Dec. 22, 1949 in Swainsboro, Georgia, attended Thomson High School before heading to Southern Mississippi.