The legendary NFL player, Ray Guy, who spent his entire career with the Oakland (and later Los Angeles) Raiders, had a coveted gold Hall of Fame jacket along with three super bowls in his possession. He was the first — and, to date, the only — member of the Hall whose sole job had been punting and he was nothing like the world has seen before. But all must things must come to an end, as transience is the only constant.
Guy has passed away at age 72, his alma mater, the University of Southern Mississippi, announced Thursday. “The Southern Miss family mourns today following the passing of Golden Eagle great Ray Guy, who died Thursday morning following a lengthy illness,” the school said in a news release. The cause of his death was advanced-stage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
We are saddened to hear of the passing of Pro Football Hall of Fame punter Ray Guy.
Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones. pic.twitter.com/DPqnFKbyzj
— NFL (@NFL) November 3, 2022
Guy will be forever remembered in the NFL community with utmost respect and admiration. “He was one of those larger-than-life figures, and just like those of us that are Georgia fans, in the last few days we’ve lost Charlie Trippe and Coach Dooley, and for people in Thomson, Ray is right on that level. It’s a sadness for a lot of us because we’re remembering just what a great local hero he was,” said John Barnett.
The demise of this great player has brought gloom and sorrow to the ones who enjoyed watching his on the field for many years. He continues to be a fan favorite even to this date. His enigma will forever be cherished by admirers.
