Nat Terry Explained

Nat Terry
Number:41, 30
Position:Return specialist / Defensive back
Birth Date:20 July 1956
Birth Place:Tampa, Florida, U.S.
Height Ft:5
Height In:11
Weight Lb:167
High School:Robinson (Tampa, Florida)
College:Florida State
Draftyear:1978
Draftround:11
Draftpick:279
Pastteams:
Highlights:
Statlabel1:Games played
Statvalue1:10
Statlabel2:Punt returns/ yards
Statvalue2:7/ 80
Statlabel3:Kick returns/ yards
Statvalue3:7/ 145
Pfr:TerrNa20

Nathaniel Terry (born July 20, 1956) is a former American football defensive back and return specialist who played a single season in the National Football League (NFL) for the Pittsburgh Steelers and Detroit Lions.

Early life

Terry was born in Tampa, Florida and attended Robinson High School Then Florida State University in Tallahassee, Florida where he played twice lettered in football. He was an honorable mention All-American selection in his senior season.[1]

Football career

Terry was selected in the eleventh round of the 1978 NFL draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers. Although he was considered undersized to play cornerback in the NFL he made up for it with his speed (he was timed at 4.4 seconds in the 40-yard dash).[2] After making the Steelers' roster and playing the first six games of the season (primarily on special teams), he was cut to make room for another player.[3]

The Detroit Lions claimed Terry off waivers the next day.[4] On the opening kickoff of his fourth game with the Lions he suffered a chipped vertebrae in his neck and was placed on the injured reserve list, ending his season and eventually his playing career.[5]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Nat Terry (bio). NoleFan.org. December 20, 2011. https://web.archive.org/web/20110628014553/http://nolefan.org/football/terry_nat.html. June 28, 2011. live.
  2. News: Emert. Rich. Small Package, Big Gift. December 20, 2011. The Beaver County Times. August 8, 1978. D1.
  3. News: Stellino. Vito. Reutershan Shifts in Numbers Game. December 20, 2011. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. October 13, 1978. 11.
  4. News: Lions Claim Nat Terry. December 20, 2011. Observer-Reporter. October 14, 1978. AP. C-2.
  5. News: Lions Lose Terry, Oilers Eye Maxson. December 20, 2011. Pittsburgh Press. November 16, 1978. UPI. C-8.