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Ray Guy's death reminds some he was greatest of all time — plus more reaction

dani mohr, mississippi clarion ledger
·2 min read

The football community is mourning the loss of Ray Guy, Southern Miss legend and Pro Football Hall of Fame punter.

Southern Miss announced that Guy had died on Thursday morning following a "lengthy illness" at 72 years old. He was considered to many as the greatest punter of all time.

From 1970-72, Guy served as a defensive back, punter and kicker for the Southern Miss football team. His eight interceptions in 1972 are still the most in a single season in school history. He also served as a pitcher for the Golden Eagles' baseball team, and recorded one of the six no-hitters in Southern Miss history.

Guy was also the first punter to be selected in the first round of the NFL draft, and went to the Oakland Raiders in 1973. As a six-time All-Pro punter during his 14 seasons with the Raiders, coach John Madden referred to him as "the best punter I've ever known."

The Ray Guy Award, which was first presented in 2000, is given annually to the nation’s best college punter.

Several football figures shared their respects to the former NFL punter, here's a look at some notable reactions.

This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Ray Guy death reminds he was greatest of all time — plus more reaction