A True Legend Leaves the Field

Sammy Baugh died today in Rotan, Texas. One of the greatest football players to ever set foot on the field, he was the guy who earned the name "Slingin' Sammy" because he threw the baseball so hard, but a nickname that followed him into football as well. My kind of guy. Enough of all this defense. Let's put some passes into the game and Sammy Baugh did it. But wait. Passing wasn't the only thing he did. Here are some facts on his career:

As a rookie in 1937, Baugh completed a record 81 passes (about seven a game) and led the league with 1,127 yards. At the time, only six passers averaged three completions a game that year. He went on to lead the league in passing six times. Baugh still holds Redskins records for career touchdown passes (187) and completion percentage in a season (70.3). His 31 interceptions on defense are third on the team's career list. He still owns the league mark for single-season punting average (51.4). Baugh guided the Redskins to five title games and two championships, playing his entire career without a face mask. His No. 33 is the only jersey Washington has retired.

I remember my daddy talking about Sammy Baugh when I was a kid and was just getting hooked on this game of football. Daddy said he was the best football player he ever saw. He could do it all. And he was a crusty old cowboy from West Texas who would sprinkle in a zinger on you if you weren't careful. My best to his family.