History of Ray Guy in Timeline

Ray Guy was an American football punter who played for the Oakland / Los Angeles Raiders from 1973-1986. He is the only punter ever drafted in the first round, going 23rd overall in 1973. Widely regarded as the greatest punter ever, Guy was an eight-time All-Pro selection and won three Super Bowls with the Raiders. In 2014, he was inducted into both the College Football Hall of Fame and the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

December 22, 1949: Ray Guy's Birth

On December 22, 1949, William Ray Guy was born. He would go on to become a celebrated American professional football punter.

1967: High School State Championships

Ray Guy led Thomson High School to the Georgia Class A state football championships in 1967, showcasing his talent as a multi-sport athlete.

1968: Another State Championship and Athletic Prowess

Ray Guy led Thomson High School to their second consecutive Georgia Class A state football championship in 1968. He also averaged an impressive 49.7 yards per punt that year, demonstrating his exceptional skill in the sport.

1969: Baseball Accomplishment

In 1969, Ray Guy pitched a remarkable 15-inning scoreless game for Thomson High School in the state playoff semifinals. This feat highlighted his athletic versatility and determination.

1972: College Football Success and Accolades

In 1972, Ray Guy, as a senior at Southern Miss, was recognized as a first-team All-American. He also achieved a record-breaking 93-yard punt in a game against the University of Mississippi.

1972: NCAA Record and All-American Recognition

In 1972, Ray Guy, while playing for the University of Southern Mississippi, kicked a then-NCAA record 61-yard field goal. His outstanding performance earned him first-team All-American honors from the Football Writers Association of America.

1973: Historic NFL Draft Selection

Ray Guy made history in 1973 by becoming the first pure punter ever to be drafted in the first round of the NFL draft, chosen by the Oakland Raiders as the 23rd overall pick.

1973: Start of Pro Bowl Streak

Ray Guy's exceptional punting skills earned him a spot on the Pro Bowl team for six consecutive years, starting in 1973.

1977: Accusations of Illegal Ball Inflation

Following a 1977 game against the Houston Oilers, coach Bum Phillips accused Ray Guy of using footballs illegally inflated with helium, a claim that added a touch of controversy to Guy's otherwise celebrated career.

1978: End of Consecutive Pro Bowl Selections

In 1978, Ray Guy's impressive streak of six consecutive Pro Bowl selections came to an end. Despite this, he remained a highly respected figure in the NFL.

2000: Establishment of the Ray Guy Award

In 2000, the Greater Augusta Sports Council established the Ray Guy Award, an annual honor given to the nation's best collegiate punter, solidifying Guy's legacy in the sport.

2005: Kicking Camps and Mentorship

In 2005, Ray Guy gave back to the sport by organizing and participating in two-day kicking camps across the US. These camps provided aspiring high school punters, placekickers, and long snappers with valuable training and mentorship.

2011: Bankruptcy and Auction of Super Bowl Rings

In 2011, Ray Guy faced financial challenges, leading him to file for bankruptcy and auction off his three Super Bowl rings to settle debts.

August 2, 2014: Enshrinement in the Pro Football Hall of Fame

On August 2, 2014, Ray Guy cemented his place in football history as the first pure punter to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

2014: Induction into Halls of Fame

In 2014, Ray Guy received one of the highest honors in football, being inducted into both the College Football Hall of Fame and the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

November 3, 2022: Ray Guy's Death

On November 3, 2022, Ray Guy passed away. He left behind a lasting legacy as a renowned punter in the NFL.

2022: Legacy as the Only Punter in the Hall of Fame

As of 2022, Ray Guy stood alone as the only punter to be enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, a testament to his unique impact on the game.