Some interesting old-time Vol player trivia…

[knox73]

1973 Topps #286 Pete Athas

Pete Athas walked on at Tennessee and never lettered. Played several years in the NFL. Interesting story.

i recall him in the NFL.

From a Facebook post:

The late Pete Athas was born 78 years ago today. The City of Miami has produced many NFL players. But only one has reached the sport's highest level without playing in a single college game. Pete Athas was one of the top athletes to come out of Dade County back in the early 1960s. A 1964 graduate of Miami Edison High School, Athas was a versatile and tough athlete who could play just about every skill position on the field. He was named to the Miami Herald's 1963 All City Team and played all of his high school home games at the Orange Bowl.

Athas originally attended the University of Tennessee. He was always known for his rebellious nature. He grew his hair long and often clashed with his coaches. Back in the 1960s, freshmen were not eligible to play varsity college football. Athas dropped out of school after playing just 2 games on the UT freshman team. After returning home and taking a few classes at Miami-Dade Community College, Athas was determined to make it in football. He signed with the Orlando Panthers of the Continental Football League in 1967. Athas instantly became a dominant player as a cornerback. In his 3 seasons with the Panthers he led the league in interceptions twice and was also a dangerous kick returner. He was so dominant, he caught the eye of Dallas Cowboys scout Gil Brandt.

In 1970, the Cowboys drafted Athas in the 10th round. His resume was spotty at best--no varsity college experience and 3 seasons of playing minor league football. To make things worse, he got into a fight in training camp with teammate Reggie Rucker. Athas suffered a broken jaw and was waived before the start of the season. He returned to minor league football and played a season with the Norfolk Neptunes of the Atlantic Coast Football League.

Down and out, Athas knew he had the ability to play in the NFL. All he needed was a chance. He finally got it with the New York Giants in 1971. His former coach with the Orlando Panthers Jim Barrett had become the Giants defensive coordinator. Athas made the team and became a starter from 1971 to 1974, leading the Giants with 5 interceptions in 1972. After 4 seasons with the Giants, Athas had brief stints with the Cleveland Brown and Minnesota Vikings. He finished his NFL career with 16 interceptions, returning 1 for a touchdown.

After his football career, Athas returned home to Miami Shores. He passed away from lymphoma in 2015. Pete Athas was 68 years old.

 

[ZZ13]

I remember watching him play for the Giants. I think Richmond Flowers played DB there with him for a year or two. And Spider Lockhart. They had Tucker Frederickson at RB and Tarkenton was still there in 1971. And of course they had the original sidewinder, Pete Gogolak. They didn't win many games, though.