Hall of Fame punter, Georgia native Ray Guy dies at 72

Ray Guy, a Georgia native and Pro Football Hall of Famer has passed away at age 72, his alma mater, the University of Southern Mississippi, confirmed.

Born in Swainsboro, Georgia, Guy grew up in Thomson.

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Back in 1973, Guy was the first punter to ever be selected in the first round of the NFL draft. In his 14 years with the Raiders organization, first in Oakland and then Los Angeles, Guy helped to win three Super Bowls in 1977, 1981 and 1984.

The late John Madden, former Oakland Raiders’ head coach and Pro Football Hall of Famer, called Guy “The best punter I’ve ever known.” He also said, “When we first drafted him, it was a heck of a choice. I thought then he could be the greatest in the league, but I changed my mind. I think Ray proved he’s the best of all time.”

The NFL issued the following statement on Guy’s passing.

“We are saddened to hear of the passing of Pro Football Hall of Fame punter Ray Guy. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones.”

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One college football punter wins the Ray Guy Award each year, which goes to college football’s premier punter.

Guy was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame back in 2014.

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