[33] Against the Bulldogs, the Crimson Tide won 5814 en route to their 25th consecutive victory at Denny Stadium. School: Alabama. They were born within nine days of each other, and they died exactly two years and six months apart, Greg in the autumn of 2011 and David in the spring of 2014. "He was a young man," she says. Do you have a sports website? "He was just so grateful to have played for Alabama and to have been educated there," Patricia says. [11][12] The victory improved Alabama's all-time record against Vanderbilt to 29174. "I was the last one to see him," Simmons says. He was 59. 49 years have passed, but it remains one of the most exciting Iron Bowls of all time. Find out more. 1 . "There was a nice ball field behind our home, and that's where he learned to kick and punt," Gantt's sister Patricia says. 43 years have passed, but it remains one of the most exciting Iron Bowls of all time. His sister, Patricia Gantt, said Gantt died Wednesday of complications from heart disease and diabetes. So I'm glad I got the second ball, or he would have lost them both. "It was just such a fantastic experience for him.". [48][49] The Crimson Tide took a 100 first quarter lead behind a 50-yard Greg Gantt field goal and a 31-yard Wilbur Jackson touchdown run. The Langner brothers only had their Pell City High School lettermen's jackets to keep them warm that winter, Chuck Langner recalls, but Woodlawn lineman Raymond Rogers and a group from the Woodlawn lettermen's club cornered them in the locker room one day and told them their jackets had to go. Nytimes.com. Even though it was under bad circumstances, it was a pleasure to get to meet him personally and talk with him.". Regular Season; Preseason; Postseason; Strength of Schedule; 2023 Opponents; Games . In the third, Gary Rutledge scored on a seven-yard run for Alabama and Steve Burger responded for Vanderbilt with his three-yard run. Associated Press No. [25] Against the Volunteers, Alabama scored two touchdowns in the final 2:39 of the game for a 1710, come-from-behind victory at Knoxville. Thorne recalls. After college he signed with the New York Jets. Rosser, who loaned Gantt his car all those many years ago, says he sometimes had to remind his friend that those two blocked kicks were just a couple of bad bumps on what was an otherwise great ride. And that's how we got to be close friends. It's caught on the run and he's gonna score!!! Gantt good-naturedly told his linemen to worry about their blocking assignments and he would take care of the punting. Pictured are, left to right, Johnny Simmons, Dave Beck, coach Sam Mitchell, David Langner and Roger Mitchell. [6], Coming off their bye week, the Crimson Tide retained their No. (Photos courtesy of Woodlawn High School library). Several players that were varsity lettermen from the 1972 squad were drafted into the National Football League (NFL) in the 1973, 1974 and 1975 drafts. Lewis Gregory Gantt (born c. 1952 in Birmingham; died October 26, 2011 in Birmingham was a punter for the Alabama Crimson Tide football team from 1971 to 1973 and in the NFL. It's caught on the run!!! [42], As they entered their annual rivalry game against Auburn, Alabama retained their No. 6 position in the AP Poll prior to their game against Vanderbilt. One of Auburn's greatest wins, and the all time number one game broadcast for this old sportscaster who did over 46 years of high school, college and professional broadcasts. No Alabama specialist has been selected earlier in an NFL Draft than Mohr, who spent 15 seasons in the league and. "If you were with him, you might as well be ready to fight, because he was going to start something. NC State Forward Greg Gantt Suffers Knee Injury in ACC Tournament. Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement (updated 4/4/2023), Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your Privacy Choices and Rights (updated 1/26/2023). Greg Gantt. "I can walk into an office, hand my card to a customer, and if he says, 'I know you,' he's an Auburn fan," he told the Post-Herald's Lumpkin in that 1980 interview. The call of the first blocked punt was rather subdued, possibly because Alabama had dominated the game to that point. https://www.bhamwiki.com/wiki/index.php?title=Greg_Gantt&oldid=81920, Kausler Jr, Don (October 26, 2011) "Former Tide punter Greg Gantt passes away at age 59.". Nevertheless, Alabama was a 16 point favorite and had built a 16-0 lead when little (145 lbs.) Greg Gantt. Greg Gantt Overview. That's what he wanted to get off his chest. Next, the Crimson Tide defeated Southern Miss and Mississippi State to set up a top-ten match-up against LSU. He was 59. (Photos courtesy of Woodlawn High School library and Auburn University). Newton blocked a second Greg Gantt punt and Langner returned it 20-yards for the 17-16 victory. However, the Gators were unable to score again as Alabama responded with 24 unanswered points. His sister, Patricia Gant, said Gantt died . [48][49], In the third, the Longhorns scored on a three-yard Alan Lowry touchdown run and Lowey then scored the game-winning points with his 34-yard touchdown run in the fourth. [5][27][28] In what was a very low scoring first half, the Crimson Tide scored on a two-yard Steve Bisceglia touchdown run and the Golden Eagles on a 32-yard Ricky Palmer field goal for a 73 halftime score. Jimmy Rosser, an offensive lineman who was two years ahead of Gantt at Alabama, first got to know the team's reserved freshman punter when Gantt asked if he could borrow Rosser's two-door Oldsmobile Cutlass. "He was pretty dead-set on where he wanted to go," Patricia Gantt says. [57] With just over four minutes left in the game and the score tied 2121, the Baby Tide scores a pair of late touchdowns after Tennessee turnovers for a 3421 victory. [35][36] In the fourth, Alabama scored on touchdown runs of one and 52-yards by Steve Bisceglia and Joe LaBue, and LSU scored on a three-yard Jones run that made the final score 3521. [5][7][8] The Crimson Tide took a 140 lead in the first quarter after Terry Davis threw a seven-yard touchdown pass to Wayne Wheeler and then scored himself on a three-yard run. 2023 SCI SHARED RESOURCES, LLC. "He had already gotten one or two 15-yard penalties for spearing somebody, and I was afraid he was going to get sent home.". Several minutes later, Alabama was forced to punt again. It was the Crimson Tide's 78th overall season and 39th season as a member of the Southeastern Conference (SEC). After he finished at Alabama, Gantt joined the NFL's New York Jets, who selected him in the eighth round of the 1974 draft. . (Photo courtesy of Roger Mitchell). ', "I said, 'He recognized you, didn't he?' MIRAMAR BEACH, Fla. When Nick Saban 's comments in Birmingham about Texas A&M buying its recruiting class were brought up to Greg Byrne, the Alabama athletics director thought back to . This page is not available in other languages. Jim Simmons, a three-year letterman at Alabama who started on the defensive line for the 1964 national championship team, played a decade before Gantt but the two became close friends after meeting at A-Club gatherings and then later when they both lived in Birmingham. Alabama's Andrew Pinckney bats against Xavier during an NCAA college baseball game Feb. 18, 2022, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. Alabama is led by second-team All-SEC outfielder Pinckney, leading hitter . Tools From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Greg Gantt (October 30, 1951 - October 26, 2011) was an American football punter. Langner was named second-team All-State at running back that year, and he got an offer to play for Ralph "Shug" Jordan at Auburn University, where Langner's father also played fullback in the late 1940s. Like the previous time, Newton blocked the punt and Langner returned it for a touchdown. The points were scored on runs of three and 16-yards by Ellis Beck, one-yard by Terry Davis and one-yard by Steve Dean. 0 Rate. BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- Former Alabama and New York Jets punter Greg Gantt, who may be best known for having two punts blocked in a 17-16 loss to Auburn in 1972, has died. The 2nd-ranked and undefeated (100) Alabama team led by head coach Paul Bryant came into the game as a 14-point favorite[1] over the Ralph "Shug" Jordan-coached Tigers, 81. The game was played on December 2, 1972, at Legion Field in Birmingham, Alabama. In the 88th NFL Draft next week, the. Source: Big 12 talks expansion plan at meeting, SEC going to 8-game slate in '24 sans divisions, Harbaugh cites vetting error in Schembechler hire, Iowa's Goetz to take over as interim AD Aug. 1, Texas AD favors 9-game model upon joining SEC, Holiday Bowl seeks $3M for '21 UCLA withdrawal, Kickoffs set to start ESPN's college football slate, What's behind the SEC's schedule decision and what does it mean, Go big or go home: Connelly's ridiculous -- or ridiculously amazing -- realignment suggestions, College football's most intriguing September games, coaches under pressure and exciting newcomers, Fresh starts for DJ Uiagalelei and five other college quarterbacks, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. [7] The victory improved Alabama's all-time record against Kentucky 2511. "His youngest daughter was about three years old when he got sick.". Greg Gantt (October 30, 1951 October 26, 2011) was an American football punter. [17] Playing for the first time since a loss to Georgia in 1965, the Crimson Tide defeated the Bulldogs 257 in their first road game of the season. Their big brother Greg, who had booted a 72-yard punt earlier in the afternoon, stood on the Alabama 36-yard-line, his team comfortably leading Auburn 16-3 with less than six minutes left in the game. "I knew Greg was going to be a good kicker and a good ballplayer for two more years," Rosser adds. "Greg Gantt, who led the Southeastern Conference in punting for three consecutive years but is remembered more for having two punts blocked in a loss to Auburn, died today in Birmingham. Our reasoning for presenting offensive logos. Alabama head coach Nick Saban paces as his team warms up before Alabama's A-Day NCAA college football scrimmage, Saturday, April 22, 2023, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. Saban says college football is not a . He died Oct. 26, 2011, four days shy of his 60th birthday. 1973 Alabama Playing Cards: Greg Gantt: punter: Alabama: Gantt played two seasons for the New York Jets. Auburn trying to go after it, here's the snap, they got it! After the game, the Gantts' East Lake home was egged and their yard rolled, Patricia Gantt remembers. We present them here for purely educational purposes. He is tied with two other kickers for the longest field goal in Cotton Bowl history, a 50-yarder against Texas in 1973. Your entry has exceeded the maximum character limit. He was like the rest of us. [54] Alabama then closed the game with touchdowns on a short Richard Todd run in the third and on a Stock run in the fourth. Their paths first crossed as seniors at Birmingham's Woodlawn High School, where, with Greg punting the football and David running with it, the Colonels finished the regular season undefeated and earned a trip to the state playoffs. "Greg was kind of an introverted, shy guy," one of his old Woodlawn classmates says. "We moved around a lot," Brad Langner, whose parents divorced when he was young, says. [27][28] The victory improved Alabama's all-time record against Southern Miss to 1321. Join our linker program. Position: P. Draft: 8th round, 187th overall of the 1974 NFL draft by the New York Jets. "He said, 'We're glad you boys are here,'" Chuck Langner says. [35][36], In the third, the Crimson Tide took a 217 lead behind touchdowns scored on a 29-yard Davis pass to Wheeler and on a 25-yard Davis run. [5][15][16] Alabama scored their only points in the first half on a five-yard Wilbur Jackson touchdown run in the first quarter. (Birmingham News file photo). He is buried at Southern Heritage Cemetery in Pelham. The following spring, Gantt was initiated into the A-Club, an organization reserved for varsity letterman at the university. [2][3] In the game, Alabama outgained the Blue Devils in rushing yards 333 to 156. Langner didn't say it at the time, but he knew the clock was running out on him, and there wouldn't be a miracle comeback this time. [2][3][5] Alabama opened the game with a 140 lead after they scored on their first two possessions, on a pair of touchdown runs of eight-yards by Paul Spivey and one-yard by Joe LaBue. I'm sure he could give you some sage advice because he was not bashful about it.". The first came on a four-yard Terry Davis run in the third and then on a one-yard Ralph Stokes run in the fourth. "He just enjoyed being there. View the most current football statistics for Greg Gantt, Punter, for the New York Jets at The Football Database. However, Auburn took a 7 halftime lead after Mitzie Jackson scored on a short run in the final second of the first half. "It wasn't long before all the receivers were checking around to see where that orange helmet was," Mitchell says. Punt Bama Punt Auburn going after it, here's the good snap.it is blocked!!! As did his father, mother and older sister, Carol -- all of whom predeceased him -- Greg Gantt suffered from coronary artery disease, which lessens the flow of blood through the arteries and, over time, weakens the heart muscle. With less than 10 minutes left, an Auburn drive stalled and managed only a field goal, which made it 163. 1 pick Harry Gilmer, quarterback, Redskins, 1948. [45] In what was one of the most memorable games in the history of the rivalry, Auburn won 1716 after they scored a pair of fourth quarter touchdowns on blocked punt returns in a game subsequently deemed "Punt Bama Punt". Auburn going after it, here's the good snapit is blocked!!! Starr entered the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1977, his first year of eligibility. ", "David Langner of 'Punt Bama Punt' fame died Saturday after battling cancer. That reckless spirit often carried over into games, too. All I had to do was pick them up and run. ! The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. "I never particularly cared for the pros. The following fall, with the speedy Langner in the backfield and returning punts, the Colonels set a school record by scoring 372 points and finished the season 10-1. [58] A 39-yard Mike Davis field goal cut the Tulane lead to 1410 at halftime. Auburn's Bill Newton blocked Greg Gantt's punt and his teammate David Langner ran the ball back 25 yards for an Auburn touchdown, narrowing the score to 1610. October 28, 2011. Send a note, share a story or upload a photo. [1][2] . Langner reportedly said, "But coach, I intercepted the pass", to which Jordan said, "Yeah, but our plan was to make them punt. [31][32] The victory improved Alabama's all-time record against Mississippi State to 44103. "The week of practice building up to the Auburn game, you could tell there was going to be some redemption for a lot of things," Rod Nelson, who was a freshman punter and Gantt's back-up that season, says. So, I want to ask you right now: Do you know Jesus? "I've been sitting here trying to remember a little tune," the Tide's Paul "Bear" Bryant told reporters in the victorious Alabama dressing room. Our reasoning for presenting offensive logos. [2] The victory improved Alabama's all-time record against Duke to 11. [23][24] The victory improved Alabama's all-time record against Tennessee to 25237. Alabama led 160 with ten minutes left in the game. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. It was a wild ride. [23][24], With 2:39 left in the game, Alabama took possession at the Vols 48-yard line, and three plays later Wilbur Jackson scored on a two-yard run. His sister, Patricia Gant, said Gantt died Wednesday of complications from heart disease and diabetes. They scattered his ashes in the river, and then they said their goodbyes. Auburn's Bill Newton blocked Greg Gantt's punt and his teammate David Langner ran the ball back 25 yards for an Auburn touchdown, narrowing the score to 16-10. Right there, in the middle of the fairway, the two old teammates started crying. [3] In July 2007, CollegeFootballNews.com ranked the game #85 on its list of the 100 Greatest Finishes. "He just said he was sorry to hear about Greg's passing," Gantt's sister Patricia recalls. (Birmingham News file/Tom Self). "'Y'all are going to have to get rid of those jackets. Will Clemson rise again? 3 position and Tennessee moved into the No. His mother also had heart problems, and was frequently in and out of the hospital. "That was just about the last straw," Roger Mitchell says. . The Tide finished the regular season 11-0 that year, including crushing Auburn 31-7 in a battle of unbeatens, but got blown out by Nebraska in a national championship showdown in the Orange Bowl. Johnny Simmons, at 5-foot-10, was the tallest of the bunch, and the other three -- Langner, Dave Back and Roger Mitchell, who was no relation to the coach -- were a smidgen under 5-foot-9. "That Auburn thing," as Simmons refers to the 17-16 game, got under Gantt's skin on occasion, but he had a sense of humor about it, too. Even in death, their lives remain entwined. The extra point would secure the Tigers' victory. David Langner, top right, and his cousin, Scott Langner, top center, and their Woodlawn High School teammate Greg Gantt, top left, are pictured prior to the 1970 Alabama High School All-Star Game with Minor's Melvin Gay, bottom left, and Erwin's Steve McClain, bottom right. (Auburn University photo). Survivors include Greg's two cherished daughters, Miranda Leigh Gantt and Meagan Nicole Gantt; his two sisters, Patricia Gantt and Cindy Campbell; and his former wife and special friend, Frances Miranda Gantt. His career average of 43.6 yards has since been surpassed by current Crimson Tide punter JK Scott, who, 10 games into his final season, has averaged 45.7 yards for his career. Gardner Jett lined up for his longest ever field goal. He was only in his late 30s when he had his first heart attack and had to undergo open heart surgery, his sister Patricia says. [57] Against Tulane, Alabama rallied from a 10-point deficit with just under six minutes left in the game for a 2120 victory at Denny Stadium. About a month later, on April 26, 2014, David Langner died. Gantt died in 2011 after a lengthy battle with diabetes and heart disease. "The guy gets up and goes to the restroom, so Gantt follows him in there. You have come to the ESPN Africa edition, for other ESPN editions, click above. They next extended their lead to 310 at halftime behind a 36-yard Bill Davis field goal and touchdown runs of nine-yards by Jackson and two-yards by Randy Billingsley. Let others know about your loved one's death. Price To . "When we had punting drills, they would make us run pretty hard, and we would tell Greg, 'Don't kick it so far,'" Rosser says. Source: Big 12 talks expansion plan at meeting, SEC going to 8-game slate in '24 sans divisions, Harbaugh cites vetting error in Schembechler hire, Iowa's Goetz to take over as interim AD Aug. 1, Texas AD favors 9-game model upon joining SEC, Holiday Bowl seeks $3M for '21 UCLA withdrawal, Kickoffs set to start ESPN's college football slate, What's behind the SEC's schedule decision and what does it mean, Go big or go home: Connelly's ridiculous -- or ridiculously amazing -- realignment suggestions, College football's most intriguing September games, coaches under pressure and exciting newcomers, Fresh starts for DJ Uiagalelei and five other college quarterbacks. In a replay of the first blocked punt, Newton shot through an opening in the Alabama line again, blocked Gantt's kick a second time, and Langner again scooped up the bouncing ball and raced untouched into the north end zone. However, Duke was able to make the halftime score 1412 after they scored on a pair of Robert Albright touchdown passes. Last edited on 27 December 2022, at 16:12, "Ready, set, celebrate SEC's 75th: Today's No. [22], After their victory over Florida, Alabama retained their No. Former Alabama punter Greg Gantt dies at 59, Can Florida State pull this off? [55] Ray Bolden scored Alabama's only points with his two-yard touchdown run and the offense had six turnovers in the loss. Greg Gantt was 5-11 (180 cm) tall. GREG GANTT Gantt, Lewis Gregory Height: 5-11 Weight: 188 Born: October 30, 1951 Birmingham, AL .

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