RIP Ray Guy

The greatest punter we ever saw

NFL Hall of Famer Ray Guy Dead at 73 - Sports Illustrated

 

Put the ball into orbit, he did. Had enough leg to hit a 61-yard field goal in a snowstorm for Southern Miss.

RIP.

 

As a Commanders' fan, I have an astute insight into the art of the punt. It's truly a joy to watch Tress Way ply his craft. No doubt, he counted Ray as inspiration. RIP, Ray.

 

Gives new meaning to coffin corner. Jesus must have needed better field position. RIP, Mr. Hang Time.

 

Ah dang. Glad he made the Hall. Sorry for his family and friends.

 

Ray Guy is the first punter I remember.

 

Saw second game of Guy's rookie season. Raiders beat the Dolphins 12-7 to end Miami's unbeaten streak at 18. Game was played at Berkeley because of the AL playoffs. Guy was unquestionably the star of the game with multiple 5o-yard plus punts. After his last one, which left Miami at like its own six with less than 40 seconds to play, Madden ran out on the field to bear hug Guy as he came off. I am saddened by his death, but also glad that he, unlike too many others, lived to see himself in the Hall of Fame.

 

It also needs to be noted, I believe he was the first and last punter drafted in the first round. 23rd pick in 1973. One of four players in that draft to go on to the HOF.

 

Famously hit behind the equipment trailer on the Soldier Field sideline one Sunday in 1984 when the Bears were ransacking the Raiders' quarterbacks. He was the fourth-string backup and wanted nothing to do with the carnage. RIP.

 

R.I.P.

Guy is the only punt specialist in the HOF. Also, probably the least deserving member of the HOF. Guy lead the league three times in punting and averaged 42.4 yards. Horace Gillom, who was the original Browns punter and a pioneer in punting from 14 yards behind the line of scrimmage, lead the league three times and averaged 43.4 yards in his career. Gillom is not getting in the Hall of Fame.

At least three of the dual kicker-punters from the 50's and 60's averaged at least a yard a punt more than Guy. Probably the punter of the dual specialists was Tommy Davis, who averaged 44.7 yards a punt. Davis also held the record for more than consecutive PAT's for a long time. Davis is not getting in.

 

Did a radio interview with Ray Guy about 20 years ago. He was a good storyteller.
When I called him prior to schedule that interview, couldn't help myself by saying to him, "I grew up a Chiefs fan and hated you guys." He just laughed.
As DanOregon and Michael _Gee stated previously ... glad Guy made the Hall of Fame. He deserved it.
First childhood memory is him hitting the Superdome's over-handing scoreboard during a Pro Bowl.
RIP Ray Guy

 

Seems you're hung up (no pun intended) on distance. Anyone who watched those Raiders teams understood what Guy's importance was ... opponents' starting field position.