Slingin' Sammy Baugh has died at the age of 93.
Sammy Baugh was the last surviving member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame's inaugural class of 1963.
After starring at Texas Christian University, Baugh played with the Redskins from 1937 to 1952, leading them to the NFL title in his rookie season and again in 1942.
Interestingly enough, Baugh did not get his nickname "Sligin' Sammy" from Football, but from the way he slung Baseballs from the Shortstop and Third Base Position.
Baugh was the best all-around player in an era when versatility was required. In 1943, he led the league in passing, punting and interceptions. In one game, he threw four touchdowns and also intercepted four passes. He threw six touchdowns passes in a game twice. His 51.4-yard punting average in 1940 remains the NFL record.
This I think will stand out most about Sammy Baugh: Four touchdowns on offense and then picking off four passes on defense in the same game! He also led the league in passing , and also led defensively in interceptions. Oh, for good measure, he also lead the league in punting! The NFL has changed so much that we will never see a player this versatile ever again.
The NFL has lost perhaps their greatest All Around Player.
Rest In Peace, Slingin' Sammy. You will be missed.
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