Terrell Buckley and His Ball-Hawking...

June 7, 1971 - Pascagoula, Mississippi - Terrell Buckley, the Florida State Seminole defensive back from 1989 to 1991, was born.     

This player made life miserable for opposing quarterbacks on game day, as his speed, athleticism, and football smarts earned him selection as a unanimous First Team All-American in 1991, as well as the prestigious Jim Thorpe Award as the best defensive back in the nation.  

College Career

Terrell’s 501 career interception return yards remain an NCAA record, while his 21 career interceptions remain atop the Florida State record books. According to the National Football Foundation, Buckley is tied for many other Florida State records, including career punt returns for a touchdown (three), career interceptions returned for a touchdown (four) and consecutive games with an interception (five in 1991).

He played for College Football Hall of Fame coach Bobby Bowden and alongside Hall of Famers Derrick Brooks and Charlie Ward during his remarkable career in Tallahassee.

A member of the Florida State Hall of Fame, Buckley’s No. 27 jersey was retired by the Seminoles in 2011.

The NFF voters selected Terrell Buckley’s great career to be entered into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2019.

Accolades and Awards

Buckley's football career was adorned with numerous accolades, marking him as one of the game's premier defensive backs at both the collegiate and professional levels. At Florida State, he was a true phenom, earning Unanimous First-Team All-America honors in 1991. That same year, he captured the prestigious Jim Thorpe Award as the nation's top defensive back and led the nation with a remarkable 12 interceptions. He finished eighth in the Heisman Trophy voting, a rare feat for a defensive player. Buckley concluded his college career with an impressive 21 interceptions and an FBS record 501 career interception return yards, cementing his place in the College Football Hall of Fame.

Pro Football Career of Buckley

Transitioning to the NFL as the fifth overall pick in the 1992 draft, Buckley continued to intercept passes with frequency. Over his 14-year professional career, he amassed an impressive 50 interceptions. His ultimate team triumph came in 2001 when he won Super Bowl XXXVI with the New England Patriots. While never selected to a Pro Bowl, his longevity, consistent ball-hawking ability, and championship ring underscore a highly decorated and impactful career.