NFL Great Sammy Baugh Passed Away At Age 94

The last surviving member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s inaugural class Sammy Baugh died Wednesday night at age 94. Baugh had numerous health issues and died at Fisher County Hospital in Rotan.

His son David said his father had battled Alzheimer’s and dementia for several years. He had been ill recently with kidney problems,low blood pressure and double pneumonia.

“It wasn’t the same Sam we all knew,” his son told The Associated Press. “He just finally wore out.”

After starring at TCU, “Slingin’ Sammy” Baugh played with the Redskins from 1937 to 1952.

As a rookie in 1937, Baugh completed a record 81 passes (about seven a game) and led the league with 1,127 yards. At the time, only six passers averaged three completions a game that year. He went on to lead the league in passing six times.

Baugh still holds Redskins records for career touchdown passes (187) and completion percentage in a season (70.3). His 31 interceptions on defense are third on the team’s career list. He still owns the league mark for single-season punting average (51.4).