Claude Humphrey (1944–2021), Hall of Fame defensive end

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Claude Humphrey was a Pro Football Hall of Fame defensive end who played with the Atlanta Falcons and Philadelphia Eagles.

• Died: Friday, December 3, 2021. (Who else died on December 3?)
• Details of death: Died at the age of 77 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
• We invite you to share condolences for Claude Humphrey in our Guest Book.

Atlanta Falcons star

Claude Humphrey was one of the NFL’s elite pass rushers during his career as a defensive end for the Atlanta Falcons and Philadelphia Eagles. He was the third overall draft pick in 1968 by the Falcons after a standout college career at Tennessee State. He was a six-time Pro Bowl selection while with the Falcons and finished his playing days with the Philadelphia Eagles. Quarterback sacks were not an official statistic when he played but he has been retroactively credited with 130 sacks. Humphrey was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2014.

Notable Quote

“Before they started keeping records of sacks, man, I was getting sacks left and right.’ “The thing about me, I didn’t care so much about getting the sack. A sack was just a tackle back then. Tackling the quarterback or tackling the ball carrier on a running play was all the same.” – according to ESPN

Tributes to Claude Humphrey

We lost a legend today.

— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) December 4, 2021

Hall of Famer Claude Humphrey passed away last night at the age of 77. Enshrined into the Hall of Fame in 2014, Humphrey played 13 seasons of professional football with the @AtlantaFalcons (1968-1978) and the @Eagles (1979-1981).

📰 : https://t.co/Zw3SeBvBMc#HOFForever pic.twitter.com/H8kTsSOiPi

— Pro Football Hall of Fame (@ProFootballHOF) December 4, 2021

I extend my deepest condolences to the family of the great Claude Humphrey.I had the privilege of honoring him at Atlanta City Council. I pray that his family is comforted during their period of bereavement. I pray that he will Rest In Peace. ⁦⁦⁦@AtlantaFalcons⁩ ⁦ pic.twitter.com/jo18PsdPuq

— Michael Julian Bond (@Michael_J_Bond) December 4, 2021

So sad to hear about the passing of my Hall of Fame teammate Claude Humphrey.
Rest In Peace my friend.

— Ron Jaworski (@JawsCEOQB) December 4, 2021

We lost a legend and @ProFootballHOF brother today with the passing of Claude Humphrey.

You will be missed and our prayers are going up to the Humphrey family during this difficult time🙏 pic.twitter.com/J2Ja7Ehpfz

— Drew Pearson (@88DrewPearson) December 4, 2021

Full Obituary: ESPN