A few years ago, though, Nathan realized one thing was missing in his life. Jeff Rutledge's net worth Jeff Rutledge - Wikipedia After Nathan got out of coaching, another one of his former Dolphins teammates, guard Ed Newman, told him he had the perfect job for him. They've been married for going on 37 years now, with three children and nine grandkids. Nathan, who wore number 22, went through as many as a dozen jerseys in some games. Jeffrey Ronald Rutledge (born January 22, 1957) is a former American football quarterback and coach who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 14 seasons. Playing in the wishbone -- a four-pronged attack with two tailbacks, a fullback and the quarterback all sharing carries -- Nathan never amassed huge numbers like Crimson Tide workhorses Bobby Humphrey or Shaun Alexander or Trent Richardson, but for his career, he averaged an eye-popping 6.4 yards every time he carried the ball at Alabama. Tony Nathan, left, talks with Jeff Rutledge, right, after the famous Woodlawn-Banks high school football game at Legion Field in 1974. By his senior year, it wasn't just folks in Birmingham talking about "Touchdown Tony." "There wasn't anybody that came to see me play or any of the other guys. ", Tony Nathan breaks free with his tear-away jersey flying in the breeze. There was no mortgage. Newton stood behind Nathan as he sat next to his parents and got his picture taken signing his letter of intent. "He's very respected here," McNeal says of his old teammate. (Sugar Jets was a reference to a brand of cereal from the 1950s and '60s.). Once he started playing, though, she never let him quit. Rutledge, first, and then Stan Humphries were knocked out of the game, leaving emergency quarterback Brian Mitchell (a kick returner and former college quarterback) to finish the game. They attended some of the same churches and dated some of the same girls. People around the country were starting to notice him, too. Jeff Rutledge was born on January 22, 1957 in Birmingham, Alabama, USA. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. Coach Bill Parcells will probably keep three this year, but there is no guarantee. He is currently single. No one could be prouder, though, than the mother who wouldn't let him quit the football team back in the 10th grade, who taught him to always finish what he started. By Frank Litsky, Special To the New York Times. That iconic Banks jet was turned over to the Southern Museum of Flight, where it has been restored to its Korean War glory days. There's something always new at the courthouse.". "I get to meet a ton of people -- lawyers, defendants, victims -- and they all are different," Nathan says. Learn How rich is He in this year and how He spends money? "We don't have any of the highlight reels from the '70s that they have from Bo Jackson's day, but Tony did some phenomenal things on the football field and on the basketball court. Rutledge was born and raised in Birmingham, Alabama. This Korean War-era Sabre jet, which was loaned to Banks High School in 1961, was repainted in school colors and prominently displayed on campus. "We were out there playing in the mud and the rain," Woodlawn's Ragland says. Based in Dallas, Texas with over 20 years of experience in concept, design, art direction, and production of print and web materials including: magazine / newspaper ads, brochures, collateral, direct mail, email graphics, logos, signage, and web graphics. "We just sat up there and watched," Martin, now retired, recalls. "They had the best running back in the state and we had the best quarterback," former Banks head coach George "Shorty" White remembers. All three of Nathan's daughters have their college degrees - Nichole from South Florida and Natalie and Nadia from Alabama - as does his wife. Soon enough, though, Tony would be all around the ball. Woodlawn never beat Banks during Nathan's three years on the varsity. I can tell you, Tony had no trouble with his blocking.". Bryant sealed the deal by promising Tony he would get a shot at playing basketball at Alabama, too. Woodlawn students used to yell, ''Rip those Sugar Jets," which was a reference to this brand of cereal. "That's what I always wanted. Banks alums included Jimmy Sidle, an All-American quarterback at Auburn; Johnny Musso, an All-American running back at Alabama; and David Cutliffe, who became the head coach at Ole Miss and later, Duke. Tandy Gerelds left Woodlawn after the 1975 season to join his father in the family insurance business, but in 1984, he returned to coaching at Deshler High School in Tuscumbia. That University of Alabama sorority girl who was in the stands at Legion Field that night? When the Cardinals hired a new offensive coordinator at the end of that season, Rutledge and most of the offensive staff were fired. In May 2013, Rutledge was hired by Valley Christian High School in Chandler, Arizona as a full-time staff member and also to lead the football program. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. (Birmingham News file/Robert Adams). So it was almost like it was the state championship game that night.". Rutledge would never start an NFL game again but he did see spot duty in relief of returning starter Mark Rypien in the Redskins' 1991 Super Bowl Championship season, including some playing time in the last game of the regular season, again against the Philadelphia Eagles. Rutledge served as the quarterbacks and tight ends coach for the New York Sentinels of the United Football League in 2009. As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. 1957 . It was Grefseng's only touchdown catch of his Banks career. Jeff is an experienced communications and public affairs professional with more than a decade working in government and the private sector. Their two-year reign as 4A state champs also ended with a 12-0 shutout loss to eventual champion Homewood in the first round of the playoffs. "It was one heck of a game. He was just a humble high school athlete. His finest moment as a professional player came when as a member of the Redskins he came off the bench in a game versus the Detroit Lions in 1990. Rutledge lived up to his star billing that night, completing 9 of 10 passes for 188 yards and that touchdown to Grefseng. Menu Log In Sign Up "And when they were picking teams, I wanted to get picked. And much to the surprise of probably everybody who was there that night -- fans, players, coaches, cheerleaders and sportswriters -- neither one of the teams would go on to win it all that year. Almost assuredly, Nathan would not be the featured character in the upcoming movie "Woodlawn," which opens nationwide on Oct. 16, and most definitely, he would not have written a book, "Touchdown Tony: Running With a Purpose," which comes out Tuesday. Finished career at Alabama has the school's leading passer, surpassing Joe Namath. Electronic version of this article was lost during the computer . Only two practice sessions remain at the Fairleigh Dickinson campus here. "It was odd to see people react and want a piece of cloth off of somebody else who was wearing it. Continue with Recommended Cookies. Football was going to be it. He is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 38 years, Traci (Ellis) Rutledge and their four children, Hannah, Jacob, Marilynn, and Haylee Rutledge; his two granddaughters, Amelia and Ramona Banerjee as well as his many nieces, nephews, and their families-all of whom he cherished greatly. He had to meet with Coach Bryant to get him to sign off on it, too. On fourth down with a yard needed, he was sent by head coach Bill Parcells for a potential decoy play. He is from United States. Jeff Rutledge, who played at Alabama after he graduated from Bank High School, is pictured here during the 1976 Alabama-Notre Dame game in South Bend, Ind. When the other team did not pick up on Rutledge, he took the snap and did a sneak up the middle for yardage that gave the Giants a first down that would eventually lead to a go-ahead score. And to himself. "There is no doubt in my mind that the delay in the game helped us,'' Banks' Grefseng says. We will update Jeff Rutledge's Height, weight, Body Measurements, Eye Color, Hair Color, Shoe & Dress size soon as possible. No One Else Wanted Him. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. Buy newspaper front pages, posters and more. Following his senior season at Alabama in 1978, Banks' Jeff Rutledge went on to play 13 years in the National Football League. So by the time he arrived at Woodlawn High School to start the ninth grade, his reputation as a wizard of the basketball court preceded him. team protected 37 players during the off season and made the unprotected players available to other teams. ", Alabama basketball coach C.M. His two older sisters went to Banks, but after the Birmingham schools were desegregated, he was zoned for Woodlawn. And I don't know when that will be.'' jeff.rutledge@mcmillanvantage.com. "All I had ever seen of football games was everybody falling on each other and piling on each other," she says. I don't know exactly when, but I'll do it.'". [3][6], Rutledge served as the quarterbacks and tight ends coach for the New York Sentinels of the United Football League in 2009.[3]. He resigned in the Spring of 2012 to return to Arizona to spend time with his family. "Each gate had four openings in it for four lines of people," Garrett says, "but it still obviously wasn't enough.". On signing day, both Bryant and Alabama basketball coach C.M. Wife'S Suggestion of Retirement Lost on Rutledge Experienced backup quarterbacks can be valuable when injuries strike. Jeff Rutledge | American Football Database | Fandom "He wasn't too pleased," Nathan recalls. After completing the eighth grade, those students who would have gone to Banks instead went to Woodlawn High School, Banks' old rival. Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement, Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your Privacy Choices and Rights (each updated 1/26/2023). (Photo courtesy of Banks High School Facebook page). (Photo courtesy of Tony Nathan). Jeff Rutledge - Pro-Football-Reference.com . His zodiac sign is Aquarius More about Jeff Rutledge Photo Gallery Jeff Rutledge Jeff Rutledge Jeff Rutledge - Senior Consultant - McMillan Vantage Policy Group When the Cardinals hired a new offensive coordinator at the end of that season, Rutledge and most of the offensive staff were fired. UNEASY LIES THE HEAD OF NO. There are 90+ professionals named "Jeff Rutledge", who use LinkedIn to exchange information, ideas, and opportunities. . If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. Jeffrey Hunter was born Henry Herman McKinnies Jr. on November 25, 1926 in New Orleans, Louisiana, an only child. "It was a miserable way to end your season.". We prayed together, and from then on, I respected them and they respected me. A creative problem solver with refined approach to crisis communications and media management. "That was neat, that she had just come up (for the game), not knowing anything that was going to happen years later," Rutledge says. But she's been through this every year. Or was it 17-7? "It was supposed to be a quick pass but somebody got in there and almost sacked Jeff. Most likely, Tony would not have been drafted by the NFL's Miami Dolphins, and regrettably, he also would have missed out on starting in two Super Bowls, as well as being part of one of the most famous plays in Dolphins' history. Rutledge, first, and then Stan Humphries were knocked out of the game, leaving emergency quarterback Brian Mitchell (a kick returner and former college quarterback) to finish the game. On Nov. 8, 1974 -- 40 years ago this Saturday - the two-time defending state champion Banks Jets met their eastern Birmingham rivals the Woodlawn Colonels in front of what was then and remains today the biggest crowd to ever watch a high school football game in Alabama. See the article in its original context from. All rights reserved (About Us). '", So just think, if Louise Nathan hadn't put her foot down, maybe no one would have ever heard of "Touchdown Tony.". 90+ "Jeff Rutledge" profiles | LinkedIn When the Cardinals hired a new offensive coordinator at the end of that season, Rutledge and most of the offensive staff were fired. He received his degree from Alabama in Business Administration and in 2011, was inducted into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame. BIRMINGHAM, Alabama -- Forty years later, the details have gotten fuzzier and the legends have grown larger. About Jeff Rutledge is a 66 year old American Football (American) Player born on 22nd January, 1957 in Birmingham, AL. "I did accept Christ in my life at that time, they say," Nathan says. So it's tough for her to hear that she should wait. Birmingham, Alabama. Woodlawn grads included Harry Gilmer, who was an All-American at Alabama and the MVP of the 1946 Rose Bowl, and Bobby Bowden, who coached Florida State to two national championships on his way to becoming the winningest coach in college football history. I will make you that promise. Manage Settings And while most college players today are bigger, faster and stronger now than they were during Nathan's college days, Legg has no doubt that, had Nathan come along four decades later, Nick Saban would find a place for him with Derrick Henry and Kenyan Drake in the Crimson Tide's current running back rotation. The name still resonates in the state, especially since Jeff Rutledge was homegrown (Birmingham) and in 2011 was inducted into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame. White says he was assured by the Legion Field crew that it would be able to handle the crowd. So I had never beaten them.". ----DeOssie and Roberts Out Steve DeOssie and William Roberts missed practice Wednesday. I was so elated that he did it, and I thank the Lord that he did.". And in the memories of those who were there. Rutledge is a Christian and attends Arizona Community Church in Chandler. After playing in three college all-star games following his senior season, Nathan fell behind in his classes, and he was worried he might flunk out his spring semester. (Birmingham News file). It's been very interesting. Commission - Waterways The quiet Nathan, who teammates say tried to shy away from all of the attention, was one of Birmingham's first superstar black athletes in a city that was still adjusting to integration. In April 2010, Rutledge agreed to become the head football coach at Pope John Paul II High School in Hendersonville, Tennessee; where he coached for two seasons, leading the Knights to a 4-18 record. When he retired from football, Nathan also got into coaching - first with the Dolphins and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and then at Florida International University. What is Jeff Rutledge's full name? Jeff Rutledge. Jeff Rutledges income source is mostly from being a successful Player. A three-year starter, he also led Alabama to the #2 National ranking in 1977. To preserve these articles as they originally appeared, The Times does not alter, edit or update them. of development through completion. His breakout moment came against Montgomery's Robert E. Lee Generals, when, late in the game, he scooped up a fumble and ran 38 yards for the winning touchdown. So, how much is Jeff Rutledge worth at the age of 65 years old? Tony could have gone anywhere. Our defensive game plan was awesome.". "It was the thrill of my life," Louise Nathan says. Jeffrey Ronald Rutledge (born January 22, 1957) is an American football coach and former professional quarterback. And when that happened, that movement, I was touched in my heart to do so again.". William Nathan, who worked as millwright at Connors Steel in Birmingham, made his son Tony his first football by stitching together a strip of Naugahyde and stuffing it with rags and cotton balls. A couple of weeks before their game, Banks' White alerted the Legion Field staff to expect a monster crowd. Established network of influencers, political staff, department officials and media, supporting sound execution of public affairs initiatives. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. His brother Gary Rutledge was also a quarterback at Alabama from 1972 to 1974. Nathan played on the B-team his freshman year, and by his sophomore season, he earned a spot on the Woodlawn varsity as the starting free safety on defense. Everybody else was gone home for Christmas vacation, and I was like, 'What am I doing here?' "But I was raised in the church anyway. But he made a great play and I just kept running, and he threw it and I caught it.". 3 QUARTERBACK, https://www.nytimes.com/1989/08/24/sports/uneasy-lies-the-head-of-no-3-quarterback.html, Frank Litsky, Special To the New York Times. Rutledge and his wife had just moved into their dream house in Atlanta, but felt it was the best job available. Josh Rutledge, a 'Bama man, tries to make his place in Boston The night after that chat, in an exhibition game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Rutledge completed all 8 of his passes for 156 yards. In 2013, he married Laura McKeeman (who took Rutledge's name upon marriage), a reporter and host for ESPN and the SEC Network. So he signed again with the Giants, but for less than the $400,000 he made last year. Jeff was in the flooring business and owned Vintage Wood Floors, Inc. On one particular visit, Bryant brought his overnight bag, Tony's father remembers. We felt like we were probably the two best teams in Alabama, but only one of us was going to get to go to the state. The other day, Rutledge called his wife and told her to wait. The next year, they got Bert Jones. Drafted in the ninth round of the 1979 NFL Draft (246th overall pick) by the Los Angeles Rams, Rutledge played in 14 NFL seasons from 1979 to 1992 for three different teams. The purchase date corresponds with most of the transfers from Mr. Slaughter's account, according to the suit. He said he hadn't decided whether to keep two or three quarterbacks.''. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. ", RELATED: Turning back the clock at Legion Field. Tony started playing pickup basketball games with some older boys in the neighborhood, and he was good enough that he was recruited to play in a rec league at Huffman Park. Former Giant Jeff Rutledge Talks Playing and Coaching Add to that the fact that, back in those days, only one team from each region made the state playoffs. (Birmingham News file/Charles Nesbitt). (Birmingham News file/Charles Nesbitt). "And I didn't like that. As a senior, he was a member of the 1974 Parade High School All-American team. RELATED:See who plays Tony Nathan in 'Woodlawn'. Later, while at Belmont High School in Mississippi, Gerelds was diagnosed with brain cancer, and he died in 2003, coaching right up until the end. Woodlawn High School had a much longer history that went back to 1916, when the community of Woodlawn was annexed into Birmingham. When the other team did not pick up on Rutledge, he took the snap and did a sneak up the middle for yardage that gave the Giants a first down that would eventually lead to a go-ahead score. On October 2, 2019, his wife gave birth to a daughter. Jeff Rutledge Career Stats | StatMuse He resigned in the Spring of 2012 to return to Arizona to spend time with his family. So I ended up saying, 'Thanks, coach, but no thanks.' "Up until my eighth-grade year, I had been going to Banks games all my life, watching Jeff Rutledge's older brother, Gary, and Johnny Musso play,'' Ragland says. "Including his wife. The two schools were just 10 minutes and less than four miles apart. Banks coach Shorty White had assigned Muse to shadow Woodlawn's Nathan everywhere he went, and although Nathan finished with 112 yards on 31 carries, Muse was all over him most of the night. Jeff Rutledge date of birth: January 22, 1957. Gerelds, recognizing Nathan's underutilized potential, thought he needed to have the ball in his hands more often and moved him to offense his junior year.Before the start of that 1973 season, something else happened that changed the Woodlawn football team's fortunes. Alabama Crimson Tide football yearly statistical leaders, History of the New York Giants (19791993). During preseason camp, evangelist Wales Goebel, who became a born-again Christian after alcohol destroyed his small-college basketball career and nearly cost him his life, came to share his story with the Woodlawn players. Jeff Rutledge Position: QB Birthdate: January 22, 1957 College: Alabama Draft: Selected by the Los Angeles Rams in the 9th round (246th overall) of the 1979 NFL Draft Stats Gamelogs 300-Yard Passing Jeff Rutledge Stats Jeff Rutledge career stats with the Los Angeles Rams, New York Giants and Washington Redskins. Jeff Rutledge Biography. Although it was just one moment in time, all of their names -- as well as those of Greg Muse, Jerry Murphree, Bob Grefseng, Denny Ragland, Brad Hendrix, Jerry Stearns and many others -- will always be linked to that November night in Legion Field 40 years ago. "I was running down the baseline trying to follow my guy around, and, all of a sudden, they set a pick and this guy's elbow hit me in the eye and that cured my basketball desire," Nathan says.
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