Sam McCord
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Amherst, Texas, U.S.
Campbell, Texas, U.S.
 1960 Fleer trading card | |
| Personal information | |
|---|---|
| Born: | February 23, 1933 Amherst, Texas, U.S. |
| Died: | October 14, 2018 (aged 85) Campbell, Texas, U.S. |
| Height: | 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) |
| Weight: | 185 lb (84 kg) |
| Career information | |
| Position: | Quarterback |
| College: | East Texas State |
| AFL draft: | 1960 |
| Career history | |
| * Offseason and/or practice squad member only | |
| Career highlights and awards | |
| |
Samuel Ray McCord (February 23, 1933 – October 14, 2018), nicknamed Stumblin’ Sam, was an American football quarterback. He played college football at East Texas State College, where he was a two-time Associated Press first-team Little All-America selection.
Samuel Ray McCord was born on February 23, 1933, in Amherst, Texas.[1] Due to his family moving twice in high school, he was only able to play one year of high school football: his junior year.[2] He graduated from Wilmer-Hutchins High School in Dallas, Texas, in 1951.[3][1] McCord then served in the United States Army during the Korean War, and was stationed at Fort Hood.[1]
College career
In 1956, McCord sent a letter to the head coach at Paris Junior College, where McCord's brother was playing college football, in order to ask for a tryout.[2][4][5] McCord made the team as the starting quarterback and earned a scholarship.[2]
McCord then transferred to East Texas State College, where he was a three-year starter for the East Texas State Lions from 1957 to 1959.[5] He acquired the nickname "Stumblin’ Sam" while at East Texas State due to his ability to gain extra yardage after being hit.[6][1] McCord led the Lions to Tangerine Bowl victories in back-to-back seasons from 1957 to 1958, earning MVP honors in the latter game.[5] The Lions won the Lone Star Conference (LSC) title in 1957 and 1958 while also tying for the title in 1959.[5] As a senior in 1959, McCord passed for 559 yards and 13 touchdowns, rushed for an LSC-leading 887 yards, handled punting, and was also the team's best defensive back with four interceptions.[7][5] He led the team in total offense all three years.[5] He also led the team in punting from 1958 to 1959.[5] McCord was named an Associated Press first-team Little All-American for both the 1958 and 1959 seasons.[8][7] He had an overall record of 28–3 while at East Texas State.[5] He was described as a "living legend".[3][2][9] After his college career, McCord was invited to the 1960 Optimist Bowl for college all-stars.[2]