Sad career endings.

[mark4tide]

Kelvin Sigler - he was having a great senior season when he blew out his knee 4 games into the season.

 

[CrimsonEyeshade]

Though a persona non grata these days, Gene Jelks must be mentioned.

He actually beat Humphrey out as freshmen, tears up his knee as a sophomore and never recovers physically -- or emotionally.

His performance in the '85 Auburn game ranks with our best ever.

 

[4Q Basket Case]

Though a persona non grata these days, Gene Jelks must be mentioned.

He actually beat Humphrey out as freshmen, tears up his knee as a sophomore and never recovers physically -- or emotionally.

His performance in the '85 Auburn game ranks with our best ever.

Gene Jelks got what he deserved.

Interesting historical note -- nobody likes traitors, not even the beneficiaries of the turncoat.

Benedict Arnold died broke and ashamed in England, as he should have.

Gene Jelks dropped off the face of the earth, as did Eric Ramsey. As they both should.

In World War II, Vidkun Quisling was abandoned by the Germans, and so was the Vichy French government. To this day, Quisling's name is a synonym for traitor. And the French are, well, the French.

 

[CrimsonEyeshade]

The point remains that Gene Jelks' life was changed by a blown-out knee. One moment he was everybody's hero, the next, as you put it, he disappeared. He lost the only thing that made him special.

Most of us like to think we could pick up the pieces and move on. But most of us have more to fall back on than Jelks did. He was poor and bitter and he turned on the school that he felt let him down.

That's a pretty sad way for a career to end.

 

[RTR_UA#1]

I have to throw in my vote for Kerry Goode also. He was a brilliant runner.
He was never the same after the injury.

 

[4Q Basket Case]

The point remains that Gene Jelks' life was changed by a blown-out knee. One moment he was everybody's hero, the next, as you put it, he disappeared. He lost the only thing that made him special.

Most of us like to think we could pick up the pieces and move on. But most of us have more to fall back on than Jelks did. He was poor and bitter and he turned on the school that he felt let him down.

That's a pretty sad way for a career to end.

Kerry Goode.
Craig Sanderson.
AC Carter.
Kelvin Sigler.
Ahmad Galloway.
Ray Hudson.
Gary Rutledge.
Tyrone Prothro.
Jeremy Pennington.
Eddie Lowe.
Marvin Constant.
Jeff Rouzie.

Every one of those guys, plus countless others my fading memory can't recall, had college careers that promised professional riches. I don't know their individual financial circumstances, but I'd venture to say that at least some didn't have the proverbial pot to ______ in. For reasons beyond anyone's control, none ever achieved the financial gain their athletic talent once promised. But nary a one betrayed the University.

Gene Jelks stands alone in that regard. Let's hope he stays that way.

 

[thunderz7]

Thomas Bible was a super soph on the 61 NC team.
He drowned before the 62 season began.
Almost certain to have become All American and all the potential to play pro ball and even be all-pro.
No only career ending but life ending.
I would love to know how far his career would have gone.

T7

 

[CrimsonEyeshade]

Kerry Goode.
Craig Sanderson.
AC Carter.
Kelvin Sigler.
Ahmad Galloway.
Ray Hudson.
Gary Rutledge.
Tyrone Prothro.
Jeremy Pennington.
Eddie Lowe.
Marvin Constant.
Jeff Rouzie.

Every one of those guys, plus countless others my fading memory can't recall, had college careers that promised professional riches. I don't know their individual financial circumstances, but I'd venture to say that at least some didn't have the proverbial pot to ______ in. For reasons beyond anyone's control, none ever achieved the financial gain their athletic talent once promised. But nary a one betrayed the University.

Gene Jelks stands alone in that regard. Let's hope he stays that way.

Agreed.

 

[BamaGoose]

Darrell Blackburn was a '96 pre-season ALL SEC pick (had 10 sacks in '95) but kidney disease caused him to miss his senior year.

I agree. Blackburn was impressive.

 

[rrbox]

KG's first half against BC was one of the greatest performances I've ever watched.

On a side note, a guy that sadly never made it to the Capstone had all the potential in the world for a great career: Deon McCleod.

Agree on KG. I was at the game. Such a loss.

 

[wishbonedays]

I say to this day that Kerry Goode would have won the Heisman trophy if he had never been hurt. One of the best I've ever seen at RB.

I've often thought the same thing. Who won the Heisman in 1986? That would have been his senior season without the injury. He sure would have given the winner a run for it. He was so much fun to watch.

 

[FitToBeTide]

I've often thought the same thing. Who won the Heisman in 1986? That would have been his senior season without the injury. He sure would have given the winner a run for it. He was so much fun to watch.

That would be Vinny Testaverde.

 

[TIDE-HSV]

Thank goodness more RBs and other FB players (not to mention BB players) now come back from knee surgery. When I think of what they used to do to knees, I shudder. I had my ACL repair in '96, and laparoscopic repair was just a few years old. In fact, for the hamstring graft procedure I had (not the right one for a RB), I was in the single digits for Huntsville. I have a friend who had his first ACL surgery back in the early '80s. He's now had both knees replaced - twice. He played tackle for Coach Pell at Jax St., courtesy of Coach Bryant sending him to Charlie when they realized he couldn't read...

 

[BamaBar]

I believe Kevin Croom (yes, Sly's little brother) was set to start at Def back before he blew out a knee around '76. Also remember one of the Grammer boys drowning while fishing in late 60's or early 70's.

 

[Alasippi]

Prothro and Carter were two of my favs.


Might as well throw Jimmy Johns in there, I guess.

I wouldn't put Jimmy John's name in the same sentence with Prothro and Carter.
P and C's careers ending is sad. John's career ending is deserved, self inflicted, and no ones fault but his own. JMO.

 

[Alasippi]

Most won't remember but there was a great running back named Mike Fracchia(sp?)..pronounced "Frockey" who blew out a knee on his way to a stellar season for Bryant in the early 60's. I was at the game.. He was in horrendous pain. Never played again if i'm not mistaken.

 

[IMALOYAL1]

My memory is a little funny so correct me if I am wrong

DT - I know its outside of college but his career ended while he was the most feared pass rusher in the NFL since LT. Probably would have broken the sack records standing at the time. It is still a shame that he has not been inducted into the HoF.

Craig Sanderson - Fastest white guy I ever saw and very tough. The knees just wouldnt hold up.

Seems like some guy died on us during the Curry years from a car accident or heat stroke - I cant remember his name.

Kareem McNeal - Did his injury happen before or after his career ended at UofA.

Steven Harris/Chris Hood - did not one of these guys fail to academically qualify his senior year?

Lane Bearden - I know he was a senior and it was gutty what did for us but it was still kind of sad too.

On a side note, a guy that sadly never made it to the Capstone had all the potential in the world for a great career: Deon McCleod.

i think this is answer to above, but he had the potential to be a great one.

and we had a lineman that blew his toe off...made it back to be very good but not what he could have been....his dad played for us too...help with the name.

:BigA:

 

[Tide85]

Does anybody remember Center, J.B. Closner getting carted off the field in the Mississippi State game in 05'? Anyways that was a huge loss that year, he was a leader and a great player...