Ray Guy, a Pro Football Hall of Fame punter, died Thursday, November 3, 2022, at the age of 72, according to the National Football League and the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
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Guy died Thursday morning after a long illness, according to his alma mater, the University of Southern Mississippi.
“Fittingly, much was written when Ray Guy was enshrined in Canton about how his election as the first true punter created a ‘full roster of players in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Too often overlooked, however, was the man behind his powerful right leg,” Hall of Fame President Jim Porter said in a statement.
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“Ray was a warm, humble Southern gentleman who represented the game, the Raiders organization and the Hall of Fame with dignity and class at all times. A truly gifted athlete, he could have been a star in Major League Baseball or pro basketball. Fans of the NFL thank Ray for choosing to focus on football.”
Ray Guy was a sporting legend. That is an extremely rare level for a punter to achieve.
Guy made history before ever appearing in an NFL game. He was the first punter ever drafted in the first round. The Raiders selected him 23rd overall.
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