By Darin Before he was a two-time Super Bowl champion anchored next to Lawrence Taylor, Gary Reasons was busy rewriting the physics of the linebacker position at Northwestern State. A relentless force in the purple and white, Reasons didn’t just find the ball—he haunted it. From a staggering 24-tackle explosion against McNeese State to becoming the first three-time All-American in Division I-AA history, Reasons proved that true greatness isn’t measured by the size of the school, but by the size of the impact. Discover the story of the man whose number 34 was retired before he ever set foot on an NFL field.
Football Bio
February 18, 1962 – Crowley, Texas – Gary Reasons, the outstanding linebacker from Northwestern State University, celebrated his day of birth. The National Football Foundation shares that Reasons set school records with 172 tackles in a season and 394 tackles in his career. He made 24 tackles in a game against McNeese State. Northwestern State honored Gary by retiring his number 34 jersey at the end of his collegiate career. Gary Reasons was selected for induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1996.
Conclusion
Gary Reasons’ career serves as a blueprint for the “small school” standout who conquered the big stage. While his collegiate stats are the stuff of legend, his nine-year NFL career—highlighted by two Super Bowl rings with the New York Giants—solidified his place among the linebacker elite. Known for his high football IQ and a “head-first” tackling style that legendary broadcaster John Madden adored, Reasons was a key cog in one of the most feared defensive units in NFL history. Inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1996, he remains a symbol of pure defensive tenacity.
Verified Accolades & Football Accomplishments
- College Football Hall of Fame: Inducted in 1996.
- 2× Super Bowl Champion: (XXI, XXV — New York Giants).
- 3× First-Team All-American (Div I-AA): (1981, 1982, 1983) — First player in history to achieve this three times.
- Northwestern State #34 Retired: One of only three retired numbers in school history.
- NFL All-Rookie Team: (1984).
- Super Bowl XXV Leading Tackler: Led the Giants with 6 tackles in their win over Buffalo.
- School Records: Most tackles in a season (172), career (394), and game (24).
- Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame: Inducted in 1997.
- All-Madden Team Selection: 2× selection by John Madden.
- NFL Career Stats: 134 games, 10 interceptions, 9 fumble recoveries, and 3.5 sacks.
