Post by TheShadow on Oct 25, 2008 7:00:55 GMT -5
www.zwire.com
By: TOM GOETZ, DAILY LEADER Sports Editor
Ray Guy could write a book about his storied NFL career as an All-Pro punter for the Oakland Raiders. He helped the Raiders win three Super Bowl championships. He had the opportunity to play with Oakland legends like Lamonica, Stabler, Otto, Upshaw, Alzado and Long.
Guy was in town Tuesday night for a meeting of the Southwest Mississippi Chapter of the Southern Miss Alumni Chapter. He is a member of the USM Legends Club, setting numerous records as a punter, placekicker and free safety during the 1970-72 seasons.
He entertained the crowd with numerous stories about the Raiders. As a Pro Bowl selection, Guy is best remembered for hitting the Superdome screen that hangs above the football field.
Guy shared the experience in detail. He was backed up at the 2-yard line. According to Pro Bowl rules, there was no punt rush so he had plenty of time to launch the football.
"From the field level to the bottom of the screen is 100 feet," Guy noted. "My punt was still going up when it hit the side of the screen."
The football fluttered back to field level. The game's officials called it a no-play, so Guy had to punt again. Most of the members of the punt coverage team were offensive linemen who never played that position in the pros.
"They were huffing and puffing," laughed Guy. "When I punted the second time, the receiver signaled for a fair catch. They (linemen) got to midfield and made a 90-degree turn for the sideline."
Guy said he enjoyed the camaraderie and family atmosphere in the Raiders' organization. After 14 years with Oakland, he was forced to retire because of a chronic back ailment.
Under today's zillion dollar pro contracts, Guy would have been a multimillionaire. Instead, he played before free agency really got started. "I made less than a million dollars in 14 seasons."
Still rail-thin, Guy looks in good shape. He conducts kicking camps during the summer months.
He's currently employed by Southern Miss, beating the public relations drums for the university. A popular ambassador, he makes many alumni meetings and thoroughly enjoys meeting the public.
By: TOM GOETZ, DAILY LEADER Sports Editor
Ray Guy could write a book about his storied NFL career as an All-Pro punter for the Oakland Raiders. He helped the Raiders win three Super Bowl championships. He had the opportunity to play with Oakland legends like Lamonica, Stabler, Otto, Upshaw, Alzado and Long.
Guy was in town Tuesday night for a meeting of the Southwest Mississippi Chapter of the Southern Miss Alumni Chapter. He is a member of the USM Legends Club, setting numerous records as a punter, placekicker and free safety during the 1970-72 seasons.
He entertained the crowd with numerous stories about the Raiders. As a Pro Bowl selection, Guy is best remembered for hitting the Superdome screen that hangs above the football field.
Guy shared the experience in detail. He was backed up at the 2-yard line. According to Pro Bowl rules, there was no punt rush so he had plenty of time to launch the football.
"From the field level to the bottom of the screen is 100 feet," Guy noted. "My punt was still going up when it hit the side of the screen."
The football fluttered back to field level. The game's officials called it a no-play, so Guy had to punt again. Most of the members of the punt coverage team were offensive linemen who never played that position in the pros.
"They were huffing and puffing," laughed Guy. "When I punted the second time, the receiver signaled for a fair catch. They (linemen) got to midfield and made a 90-degree turn for the sideline."
Guy said he enjoyed the camaraderie and family atmosphere in the Raiders' organization. After 14 years with Oakland, he was forced to retire because of a chronic back ailment.
Under today's zillion dollar pro contracts, Guy would have been a multimillionaire. Instead, he played before free agency really got started. "I made less than a million dollars in 14 seasons."
Still rail-thin, Guy looks in good shape. He conducts kicking camps during the summer months.
He's currently employed by Southern Miss, beating the public relations drums for the university. A popular ambassador, he makes many alumni meetings and thoroughly enjoys meeting the public.