Jack Tatum

Jack Tatum (born November 18, 1948) is a retired American football player. His position was defensive back.

Playing career

Jack Tatum did not start playing football until he entered high school. In high school he played as a running back, fullback and defensive back. When he started his collegiate career at Ohio State University he played as a running back. The Buckeyes won the national chapionship in 1968, Tatum's first season with the team. He switched to defensive back during his freshman season. He was First Team All-Big Ten in 1968, 1969 and 1970. In 1969 and 1970 he was a unanimous All American. In 1970 he was selected as the National Defensive Player of the Year. In 2001 Ohio State head coach Jim Tressel institued the "Jack Tatum Hit of the Week Award," given to the player who had the most impressive hit of the game.

Related Topics:
Ohio State University - 1968 - Big Ten - 1969 - 1970 - All American - 2001

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Tatum was drafted by the Oakland Raiders in the first round of the 1971 NFL draft. He earned a reputation as a fierce competitor and hard hitter, and earned the nickname "Assassin." He was voted to three Pro Bowls (1973-1975) in his nine seasons with the Raiders.

Related Topics:
Oakland Raiders - 1971 - Pro Bowls - 1973 - 1975

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In one of most lasting images from Super Bowl XI, Tatum knocked the helmet off Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Sammy White. His most famous hit came in a 1978 preseason game against the New England Patriots. Tatum hit Patriots wide receiver Darryl Stingley as he was leaping for a pass and left him paralyzed from the neck down. Tatum attempted to visit Stingley in the hopital soon after the hit but was forbidden by Stingley's family. The two have not spoken since that day. http://news.thescizone.com/archives/000340.html Tatum has never apologized for the hit. "I don't think I did anything wrong that I need to apologize for. It was a clean hit."

Related Topics:
Super Bowl XI - Minnesota Vikings - Sammy White - 1978 - New England Patriots - Darryl Stingley

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Tatum finished his pro career with the Houston Oilers in 1980, when he recorded a career high 7 interceptions to finish with a career total of 37.

Related Topics:
Houston Oilers - 1980

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