Doug Atkins
Born May 8, 1930, in Humboltd, Tennessee, was Doug Atkins the Tennessee tackle of 1950-1952. The FootballFoundation.org has a great bio of Atkins where they share that head football coach Bob Neyland went after the basketball recruit to use his 6'8", 245- pound frame on the football field as well. As a sophomore in 1950, Atkins played end on Tennessee's 11-1 Cotton Bowl champion team.
Soon they flipped him over to play defensive tackle and soon Doug led a vicious pass rush! The Vols led the nation in pass defense as Tennessee raced to 10 consecutive regular-season victories and a national championship. In Doug's 1952 senior season he won All- America recognition as Tennessee led the nation in total defense.
Against Vanderbilt, he intercepted a pass thrown by future Chicago teammate Billy Wade and returned it for the game's first touchdown in a 46-0 rout. Doug Atkins collegiate football records are celebrated in the College Football Hall of Fame after his induction in 1985. The Cleveland Browns selected Doug in the 1953 NFL Draft with their first-round pick to play defensive end for them. After just two seasons, the Chicago Bears traded with the Browns to get the rights to Doug, and he thrived in the Monsters of the Midway system and scheme. Atkins enjoyed a 17-year NFL career, earning legendary acclaim as a devastating pass rusher who would often leapfrog blockers to get at the passer. Atkins was selected with All-NFL honors four different times as he also played in 8 Pro Bowls games. Doug Atkins was enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1982.
Soon they flipped him over to play defensive tackle and soon Doug led a vicious pass rush! The Vols led the nation in pass defense as Tennessee raced to 10 consecutive regular-season victories and a national championship. In Doug's 1952 senior season he won All- America recognition as Tennessee led the nation in total defense.
Against Vanderbilt, he intercepted a pass thrown by future Chicago teammate Billy Wade and returned it for the game's first touchdown in a 46-0 rout. Doug Atkins collegiate football records are celebrated in the College Football Hall of Fame after his induction in 1985. The Cleveland Browns selected Doug in the 1953 NFL Draft with their first-round pick to play defensive end for them. After just two seasons, the Chicago Bears traded with the Browns to get the rights to Doug, and he thrived in the Monsters of the Midway system and scheme. Atkins enjoyed a 17-year NFL career, earning legendary acclaim as a devastating pass rusher who would often leapfrog blockers to get at the passer. Atkins was selected with All-NFL honors four different times as he also played in 8 Pro Bowls games. Doug Atkins was enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1982.
Louis Lipps Standout Steelers Wide Out
When the greatest wide receivers in Pittsburgh Steelers history are discussed, the names included are always the same. Four players consistently dominate the conversation and are once again the onl… — steelerswire.usatoday.com
Born August 9, 1962, in New Orleans, LA, was legendary Southern Mississippi Receiver Louis Lipps. Lipps was drafted number 23 overall by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 1984 NFL Draft. He played his eighth and final NFL season as a member of the New Orleans Saints.
Drafted in the first round of the 1984 NFL Draft, Lipps quickly showcased his exceptional skills.
His rookie season was nothing short of sensational, earning him the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award. With his speed, agility, and sure hands, Lipps became a nightmare for opposing defenses.
Throughout his career, Lipps consistently made clutch plays and delivered memorable performances. His ability to stretch the field and make acrobatic catches earned him the admiration of fans and teammates alike. Lipps' contributions extended beyond receiving, as he also excelled as a punt returner. His electrifying returns often ignited the Steelers' offense and shifted momentum.
Although his career was cut short due to injuries, Lipps' impact on the Steelers organization remains undeniable. His name is synonymous with excellence, and his legacy as a beloved player will continue to inspire generations of fans.
