Randy Inman
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Winless In Seattle
Robin PottratzSo long Sammy
December 18th 2008 04:39
Maybe your team was eliminated from the playoffs this week and you're a little hung down. None the less, we have to remember the people who developed the game and nursed it through its infancy. One of those players was Sammy Baugh who passed away earlier this evening.
For those of you born after his inauguration into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Baugh entered professional football in 1937 with the Washington Redskins when it was not uncommon for players to play on both sides of the ball. Although his passing led to the name "Slingin' Sammy," his talents as a defensive back and punter were also unequaled when he led the NFL in all three categories in one season during the early 40's while leading the league in punting from 1940 through 1943. By the time he retired, Baugh managed to set 13 NFL records as quarterback, punter, and defensive back. Further, he threw six touchdowns passes in a game on two occasions and his 51.4-yard punting average set in 1940 is still something to work toward.
Baugh was the last surviving member of the charter class of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Additionally, he was honored by the Redskins when his jersey number, 33, was retired by the team.
Baugh, 94, had numerous health issues and died at Fisher County Hospital in Rotan, Texas. Slingin' Sammy had battled Alzheimer's disease and dementia for several years in addition to having kidney problems, low blood pressure and double pneumonia.
This AP photo shows Sammy Baugh in his college days at TCU.
Baugh was the last surviving member of the charter class of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Additionally, he was honored by the Redskins when his jersey number, 33, was retired by the team.
Baugh, 94, had numerous health issues and died at Fisher County Hospital in Rotan, Texas. Slingin' Sammy had battled Alzheimer's disease and dementia for several years in addition to having kidney problems, low blood pressure and double pneumonia.
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