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Former Tennessee State star and NFL legend Claude Humphrey has died on December 4, 2021. Stay till the end to find out more about the legend.
According to sources, Mr. Humphrey was known as an impact player who immediately justified his first-round status. His outstanding play achieved him NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year honors.
The legend is credited with 130 career sacks. He led his team in sacks nine of the 13 seasons he played for the Falcons as well as Philadelphia Eagles, including his rookie season when he dumped opposing quarterbacks 11.5 times.
He not only used to play on a Falcons team, which had only three winning seasons during the 10-year span that he played, but Humphrey also managed to receive first- or second-team All-NFL or All-Pro honors eight times.
Noted, Mr. Humphrey is considered as the first- or second-team All-NFC seven times and was selected to play in six Pro Bowls. After four games of the 1978 season, the legend was temporarily retired from pro football.
It’s said that the Falcons traded him to the Eagles for two fourth-round draft picks back in 1979. Although the rested defensive end in Philadelphia seemed to pick up right where he left off in Atlanta, he finished second in team sacks in 1979; his 31 quarterbacks “hurries” were a team-best.
“I was aggressive, very aggressive. I tried to play the game to the point where when I walked off the field, there was nothing that I didn’t cover. I tried to play all out. I didn’t take any prisoners. I just tried to do my job.”
Claude Humphrey
Noted, while he recorded a team-high 14.5 sacks, the beloved Humphrey was in full form. His play was remarkable in leading the Eagles to a Super Bowl appearance as the NFC champions. May he rest in power.
What Leads to Claude Humphrey’s Unexpected Death?
As it’s reported, Claude Humphrey’s death occurred on Friday night at the age of 77; however, nothing yet has been shared, clarifying his cause of death.
“The entire Pro Football Hall of Fame family mourns the passing of Claude Humphrey. Known as a hard worker and a reliable teammate, Humphrey was always willing to help the team wherever needed and knew success was achieved collectively. His humble spirit guided him on and off the field. Our thoughts and prayers are with Claude’s family during this difficult time. The Hall of Fame will forever guard his legacy. The Hall of Fame flag will be flown at half-staff in Claude’s memory.”
Jim Porter, President of the Pro Football Hall of Fame
We learned the heartfelt news from the Pro Football Hall of Fame, tweeting: “Hall of Famer Claude Humphrey passed away last night at the age of 77. Enshrined into the Hall of Fame in 2014.”
It’s written: “Humphrey played 13 seasons of professional football with the @AtlantaFalcons (1968-1978) and the @Eagles (1979-1981). : http://bit.ly/HOFHumphreyObit#HOFForever.”
After a while, some have been sharing their condolences under the tweet. One said: “Sorry to hear that…a great from that first Super Bowl team…my condolences and prayers.”
Harold Carmichael shared his condolence as well: “So Sad to hear of the passing of my Teammate and Friend, Claude Humphrey. Rest in Peace.”
Emory Hunt commented: “I’m glad guys like Curley Culp & Claude Humphrey got to see themselves going into the #PFHOF before they passed.”
Jeff Kerr expressed: “Claude Humphrey was only with the #Eagles for three seasons, but was a massive catalyst to that defense on the 1980 NFC Championship team. Had 15.5 sacks that season (per @pfref) and 30.5 of his 130 career sacks in Philadelphia. (Sacks weren’t recognized as #NFL stat until 1982)
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