AVB
Jesus of Cool, I'm bad, I'm nationwide
If you even think you know football you know the name Slinging Sammy Baugh. The precursor of the modern quarterback died today at age 94. In his first season with the Redskins, Slingin’ Sammy, as he would be known, provided a preview of football’s modern era with his brilliant passing at tailback. He took Washington to the N.F.L. championship by throwing for three touchdowns in a 28-21 victory over the Chicago Bears in the title game on frozen turf at Wrigley Field. Baugh played for 16 seasons with the Redskins, leading them to another N.F.L. championship — again over the Bears — in 1942, and five division titles. When he retired, he held all the major N.F.L. passing records. He was also a spectacular punter and an outstanding safety on defense.
In 1994, the N.F.L. named Baugh as one of four quarterbacks on its 75th-anniversary team; the others were Otto Graham, Johnny Unitas and Joe Montana. Baugh was among 17 inductees in the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s inaugural class of 1963, joining figures like Red Grange, Bronko Nagurski and Jim Thorpe, and he was the last survivor of that group. He was elected to the College Football Hall of Fame in 1951.
In 1994, the N.F.L. named Baugh as one of four quarterbacks on its 75th-anniversary team; the others were Otto Graham, Johnny Unitas and Joe Montana. Baugh was among 17 inductees in the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s inaugural class of 1963, joining figures like Red Grange, Bronko Nagurski and Jim Thorpe, and he was the last survivor of that group. He was elected to the College Football Hall of Fame in 1951.
