NFL Hall of Fame punter Ray Guy, 73, died Thursday following lengthy illness

Southern Miss announced the passing of legendary alum Ray Guy at the age of 73 on Thursday. Guy was the first punter ever selected in the first round of the NFL Draft when the Oakland Raiders chose him with the 23rd pick in 1973. He passed away on Thursday morning following a lengthy battle with illness.

The former Southern Miss punter is in both the College Football Hall of Fame and the Pro Football Hall of Fame following his four years at school and 14 years in the league.

He was a punter, place kicker and cornerback for the Golden Eagles. Guy also pitched for the school’s baseball team. His Southern miss career records include the longest punting average of 44.7 yards. He is also second in career interceptions with 18.

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The Thomson, Georgia native was a six-time All-Pro selection and seven-time Pro Bowl selection with the Raiders.

Per the Southern Miss release, Guy holds the Raiders record for most career punts (1,049) and led the NFL three times in gross punt average. In addition, he had 210 punts inside the 20-yard line (not counting his first three seasons, when the NFL did not keep track of this stat), with just 128 touchbacks. He closed out his career with a streak of 619 consecutive punts without a block.

John Madden, former Oakland Raiders’ head coach, referred to Guy as “The best punter I’ve ever known.” He also said, “When we first drafted him, it was a heck of a choice. I thought then he could be the greatest in the league, but I changed my mind. I think Ray proved he’s the best of all time.”

The NFL also acknowledged the loss on Thursday in a tweet.

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

The Ray Guy Award, presented by the Augusta (Ga.) Sports Council, goes to the top punter in college football each year.