Sammy Baugh.

Sammy Baugh. Sammy Baugh, born in 1914, American football player, who led the National Football League (NFL) in passing numerous times during his career. A great all-around player who played tailback and quarterback for the Washington Redskins, Baugh was one of the first players to use the pass as an aggressive offensive weapon. Professional football had previously been dominated by rushing attacks. Samuel Adrian Baugh was born in Temple, Texas, and after high school he was recruited to play baseball at Texas Christian University (TCU). Baugh quickly became a football star, however, and he excelled in passing, running, punting, and defense. In the 1936 Sugar Bowl, Baugh logged a 45-yard run, intercepted 2 passes, and punted 14 times for an average of 48 yards per kick, as TCU defeated Louisiana State University, 3-2. The following season--his senior year--TCU lost only one game and Baugh was named a consensus All-American. After college, Baugh signed as a third baseman with the St. Louis Cardinals baseball team, but he was also the first choice in the 1937 NFL draft. He chose to play football and joined future Hall of Fame running back Cliff Battles on the Washington Redskins squad. In his first game, Baugh completed 11 of 16 passes for 116 yards as the Redskins defeated the New York Giants, 13-3. He led the Redskins to the NFL championship in his rookie season, throwing three touchdown passes in the second half of the title game to beat the Chicago Bears, 28-21. The Bears and the Redskins met in the championship game three more times from 1938 to 1942, with Washington winning in 1942. Meanwhile, Baugh established himself as one of the foremost players in the newly formed NFL and earned the nicknames Slingin' Sam and the Texas Tornado for his aggressive, open-field passing attacks. Baugh also punted and played defense, and in 1943 he became the only player ever to lead the NFL in passing (133 completions), punting (2295 yards), and interceptions (11) during the same season. In 1945 he completed 70.3 percent of his passes, establishing an NFL record that he held until Ken Anderson of the Cincinnati Bengals surpassed the mark with a 70.55 completion rate in 1982. In 1940 Baugh averaged 51.4 yards per punt, setting a record that still stands. When he retired after the 1952 season, Baugh held most of the NFL's career passing records, including completions (1693), passing yardage (21,886), and touchdown passes (187). All these records have since been surpassed. In 1963 Baugh was a member of the first group of players named to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Microsoft ® Encarta ® 2009. © 1993-2008 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.