By Darin Imagine a defender so instinctive that he averaged nearly an interception every time he stepped onto the field. Born on February 4, 1960, in Oaklyn, New Jersey, Tom Deery didn’t just play safety for Widener College; he patrolled the secondary like a magnet for the football. As a three-time All-American, Deery’s ability to read quarterbacks and high-point the ball turned him into a defensive nightmare and a statistical anomaly. Discover the story of the man whose 32 career interceptions remain one of the most staggering marks in small-college history, earning him a permanent home among the legends in the College Football Hall of Fame.
Football Bio
February 4, 1960 – Oaklyn, New Jersey – Birth of Widener College safety Tom Deery. A three-time All-American, Deery recorded 32 interceptions in just 43 games, a feat that led to his College Football Hall of Fame induction in 1998.
Conclusion
Tom Deery’s career is a definitive example of small-college excellence. While playing at Widener, he proved that elite talent and world-class instincts can dominate at any level of the NCAA. By recording 32 interceptions in only 43 games, Deery established a benchmark for defensive backs that few have even approached. His 1998 induction into the College Football Hall of Fame serves as a lasting tribute to a player who turned the secondary into his own personal highlight reel and remains the pride of the Widener football program.
Accolades and Football Accomplishments
- College Football Hall of Fame Inductee: Class of 1998.
- Three-Time First-Team All-American: Recognized as one of the best defensive players in the country (1979, 1980, 1981).
- NCAA Record Setter: Recorded 32 interceptions in just 43 career games, an average of 0.74 interceptions per game.
- National Champion: Helped lead Widener to a dominant period in Division III football, including the 1981 National Championship.
- Ball-Hawk Reputation: Known for having multiple-interception games throughout his tenure as the anchor of the Widener secondary.
- Hometown Hero: Represented Oaklyn, New Jersey, at the highest level of collegiate competition.
