Humphrey's stellar career included being named first-team All-Pro five times (1971–74, and 1977), second-team All-Pro three times (1969, 1970, 1976), and All-NFC six times (1970–74, 1977). He was second-team All-NFC in 1976 when Humphrey unofficially recorded a career-high 15 quarterback sacks. In addition, Humphrey was named to the Pro Bowl six times over the span of his career (1970–74 & 1977).[2]
Humphrey finished out his career with the Philadelphia Eagles from 1979 to 1981. In 1980 Humphrey was a designated pass rusher, recording a team-high 14+1⁄2 sacks helping the Eagles become NFC champions and earn a spot in Super Bowl XV. He finished his career with an unofficial 126+1⁄2 career sacks with the Falcons and Eagles. He retired in 1981, the season before sacks were recorded as an official NFL statistic.[3]
During Super Bowl XV, when Humphrey was called for roughing the passer against Oakland Raiders quarterback Jim Plunkett, he picked up the penalty flag and fired it back at referee Ben Dreith.[4]
Humphrey was a member of the Georgia Hall of Fame and the Tennessee Hall of Fame. His alma mater (Tennessee State University) retired his number and inducted him into their Hall of Fame, and his high school also retired his jersey and inducted him into their Hall of Fame.[5] He is a member of the Atlanta Falcons Ring of Honor.[6]
Humphrey died on December 3, 2021, at the age of 77.[8]
Outside football
Humphrey also had a guest appearance on The Dukes of Hazzard episode "Repo Men" in which he portrayed Big John, a counterfeiter.[9]
Pro Football Hall of Fame
Humphrey was a final 15 candidate in 2003, 2005, and 2006. On August 27, 2008, he was named as one of two senior candidates for the 2009 Hall of Fame election.[10] In August 2013, he was named as one of two senior candidates for the 2014 Hall of Fame election.[11]
In February 2014, Claude Humphrey was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame on the senior ballot.[12]
On August 2, 2014, Humphrey was officially inducted at the Enshrinement Ceremony where his bust, sculpted by Scott Myers, was unveiled.[13]
References
^"Player BIO". profootballhof.com. Pro Football Hall of Fame. Retrieved January 18, 2022.