Claude Humphrey, who terrorized quarterbacks for 13 seasons in the NFL, passed away at 77 years old Friday night. The Pro Football Hall of Fame released a statement on the passing of Humphrey, who played 10 seasons with the Atlanta Falcons and his final three with the Philadelphia Eagles.
“The entire Pro Football Hall of Fame family mourns the passing of Claude Humphrey,” Hall of Fame president Jim Porter said. “Known as a hard worker and a reliable teammate, Humphrey was always willing to help the team out wherever needed and knew success was achieved collectively. His humble spirit guided him on and off the field.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Claude’s family during this difficult time. The Hall of Fame will forever guard his legacy. The Hall of Fame flag will be flown at half-staff in Claude’s memory.”
Humphrey is credited with 130 career sacks in his 13 seasons from 1968 to 1981 (sacks weren’t recognized as an official stat by the NFL until 1982). A five-time first-team All-Pro and six-time Pro Bowl selection, Humphrey led his team in sacks in nine of the 13 seasons he played for the Falcons and Eagles. The third overall pick in the 1968 AFL/NFL Draft, Humphrey finished with nine double-digit sack seasons and was the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year in 1968. His 99.5 sacks with the Falcons is a franchise record.
Humphrey’s best season occurred in 1980 with the Eagles, as he finished with a career-high 15.5 sacks and was an instrumental part of the Eagles defense that led the team to the 1980 NFC Championship. He finished with 30.5 sacks in three seasons with the Eagles.
Humphrey is just one of 24 players with 130 career sacks (unofficially). He was inducted to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2014.
