Anthony Hancock (American football)

Last updated

Anthony Hancock
Anthony Hancock UT & NFL Football player BIG Scholarship Program 2008 Oak Ridge (48138907163).jpg
Hancock in 2008
No. 82
Position: Wide receiver
Personal information
Born: (1960-06-10) June 10, 1960 (age 63)
Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.
Height:6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
Weight:200 lb (91 kg)
Career information
High school: John Hay (OH)
College: Tennessee
NFL draft: 1982  / Round: 1 / Pick: 11
Career history
Career NFL statistics
Receptions:73
Receiving yards:1,266
Touchdowns:5
Player stats at NFL.com  ·  PFR

Anthony Duane Hancock (born June 10, 1960) is an American former professional football player who was a wide receiver for the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League (NFL). A first-round draft pick in the 1982 NFL draft, he played for five seasons with the Chiefs, retiring following the 1986 season. He played college football at the Tennessee Volunteers, leading the school in receiving in three consecutive seasons (1979–1981).

Contents

Now a teacher at Bearden Middle School in Knoxville, Tennessee, Hancock is active with the Tennessee Education Association (TEA). In 2012, he ran unsuccessfully for a seat in the Tennessee House of Representatives, losing to the incumbent, Steve Hall.

High school

Hancock was born in Cleveland, Ohio. One of nine children, his father worked for Ford. He played running back at Cleveland's John Hay High School under Coach Sonny Harris, twice rushing for more than a thousand yards per season to win Cleveland's East League MVP honors. During his senior year, he accumulated 1,083 yards on 153 carries, and was named all-state. He also ran track, registering a personal best of 13.6 seconds in the high hurdles. [1]

College

Hancock signed to play with the Tennessee Volunteers in 1978, part of a signing class that included future NFL players Mike Miller, Darryal Wilson, and Terry Daniels. [1] Initially a running back, he switched to wide receiver a few games into the 1978 season. His best game as a freshman came in Tennessee's loss to rival Alabama, in which he caught three passes for 52 yards. He finished the season with seven receptions for 122 yards and a touchdown. He also returned five kickoffs for 77 yards, and two punts for 16 yards. [2]

Hancock entered the 1979 season one of Tennessee's key receiving threats, having caught three passes for 109 yards in the Orange-and-White Game that spring. He finished the regular season with a team-leading 34 catches for 689 yards and four touchdowns, averaging just over 20 yards per catch. His 85-yard touchdown reception in Tennessee's win over Vanderbilt was, at the time, the longest in school history. [3] He had a 41-yard touchdown reception earlier in the game that sparked a Tennessee rally, and finished the game with 163 receiving yards. He caught three passes for 116 yards in Tennessee's 27–22 loss to Purdue in the 1979 Bluebonnet Bowl. As a member of Tennessee's track team, he placed second in the high hurdles at the NCAA Indoor Championships. [3]

Although Tennessee's offense struggled during the 1980 season, [4] Hancock nevertheless caught 33 passes for 580 yards and two touchdowns. He also rushed 17 times (mostly on reverses) for 131 yards and a touchdown. [5] In the fourth quarter of Tennessee's 20–17 loss to Southern Cal, Hancock caught a short throw from Steve Alatorre and outran the Trojan secondary for a 56-yard, game-tying touchdown. [5] He finished the game with 135 receiving yards. In Tennessee's win over Washington State, Hancock caught a 45-yard, third-down pass in the fourth quarter to set up a touchdown and thwart a late rally by the Cougars. [6] In Tennessee's 23–10 win over Georgia Tech, Hancock caught 6 passes for 120 yards, including a 47-yard touchdown. [7]

Going into the 1981 season, Tennessee coach Johnny Majors sought to get the ball to Hancock more often, stating, "everytime he touches the ball, it seems like something good happens." [8] In spite of missing the first three games of the season with a broken foot, [8] Hancock registered 32 catches for 437 yards and 5 touchdowns, and rushed 16 times for 110 yards and a touchdown. [9] In Tennessee's 10–7 win over Auburn, Hancock picked up 21 yards on a reverse to set up the Vols' only touchdown. [8] Two weeks later against Georgia Tech, Hancock caught a 42-yard touchdown pass from Alatorre in the fourth quarter to lead the Vols to a 10–7 win. [8] He caught six passes for 75 yards in Tennessee's loss to Alabama, [8] and caught 9 passes for 60 yards in the Vols' win over Memphis State. [10] In Tennessee's 28–21 win over Wisconsin in the 1981 Garden State Bowl, Hancock registered one of the best-ever postseason performances by a Vol receiver, catching 11 passes for 196 yards and a touchdown. His 11 receptions remains the most ever by a Vol receiver in a bowl game, and his 196 receiving yards is second only to Peerless Price's 199-yard outing in the 1999 BCS National Championship Game. [11]

During his four years at Tennessee, Hancock caught 106 passes for 1,826 yards 12 touchdowns, and rushed 38 times for 262 yards and two touchdowns. [12] As of the 2012 season, his total career receiving yardage was the 10th-highest in school history. [13] Along with teammates Willie Gault, Clyde Duncan and Lenny Taylor, he helped establish Tennessee's reputation as "Wide Receiver U" in the early 1980s. [14] Hancock also helped recruit fellow John Hay alumnus and future All-American receiver Tim McGee to Tennessee in 1982. [15]

NFL

Hancock was selected by the Kansas City Chiefs in the first round (11th overall) of the 1982 NFL draft. During his rookie year, he scored his first touchdown on a 41-yard reception in the Chiefs' 26–13 loss to San Francisco. His 609 kickoff return yards in 1982 included a long of 68 yards, and his 103 punt return yards included a long of 30 yards. [16]

Hancock's best NFL season, statistically, was the 1983 season, when he caught 37 passes for 584 yards and a touchdown. He had seven catches for 87 yards in the Chiefs' 41–38 loss to San Diego, five catches for 94 yards in the Chiefs' 27–12 loss to Washington, and six catches for 73 yards, including a 45-yard touchdown, in the Chiefs' second loss of the season to the Chargers, 17–14. [17]

Hancock had two strong games to open the 1984 season, catching three passes for 34 yards in the Chiefs' 37–27 win over Pittsburgh, and catching three passes for 109 yards, including a 46-yard touchdown, in the Chiefs' 27–22 win over Cincinnati. His production declined after the third game, however. He finished the season with 217 yards and a touchdown on 10 catches. [18]

During the 1985 season, Hancock caught 15 passes for 286 yards and two touchdowns. He had a 41-yard touchdown reception in the Chiefs' loss to the Raiders, caught three passes for 62 yards in a loss to Houston, had four catches for 55 yards and a touchdown against Pittsburgh, and caught three passes for 79 yards in the Chiefs' win over Indianapolis. [19] He was released after the 1986 season. [20]

Post-playing career

Hancock returned to Knoxville in 1986, and was hired by the Boy Scouts of America to run its inner city scouting program. During his tenure, he recruited over 500 new scouts, 12 of whom became Eagle Scouts. [20] He also worked with UT's Institute of Public Service, a role in which he advised TDOT-certified small businesses on financial planning and bidding. [20] In the early 2000s, he began working for Knox County Schools, initially as a substitute teacher, before obtaining his special education certificate from UT. He currently works as a special education teacher at Bearden Middle School. [20] He has been active with the state's teachers' union, the Tennessee Education Association, serving on the TEA's board of directors, [21] as well as chair of the group's resolution committee. [20]

In 2012, Hancock, a Democrat, ran against the Republican incumbent Steve Hall for the 18th District's seat in the Tennessee House of Representatives. [20] He campaigned on a platform of fostering an environment for small business innovation and expanding technology in schools, and pledged to keep taxes low. [22] In October 2012, he appeared at a campaign stop with his former coach, Johnny Majors. [23] On election day, he captured just 37.5% of the vote in the heavily Republican district. [22]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Reggie Cobb</span> American football player and scout (1968–2019)

Reginald John Cobb was an American professional football player who was a running back for seven seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Tennessee Volunteers, leading the Southeastern Conference (SEC) in touchdowns his freshman year. A second-round selection in the 1990 NFL draft, he initially played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, registering his best season in 1992 when he rushed for over a thousand yards and scored nine touchdowns. He was later a member of the inaugural roster of the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Carl McNally Pickens is an American former professional football player who was a wide receiver in the National Football League (NFL) for the Cincinnati Bengals and Tennessee Titans. He played college football for the Tennessee Volunteers, earning first-team All-American honors in 1991.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Willie Gault</span> American football player (born 1960)

Willie James Gault is an American former professional football player who was a wide receiver in the National Football League (NFL) for 11 seasons with the Chicago Bears and Los Angeles Raiders. Considered one of the fastest NFL players of all-time, Gault was a member of the Bears team that won Super Bowl XX. He was also a member of the U.S. Olympic team that boycotted the 1980 Olympics.

Stanley Douglas Morgan is an American former football player who was a wide receiver in the National Football League (NFL) for the New England Patriots and Indianapolis Colts. A "deep threat" receiver, he holds the NFL record with 19.2 yards per catch, and also holds the Patriots team record for total receiving yards in a career.

Timothy Dwayne Hatchett McGee is an American former professional football player who was a wide receiver in the National Football League (NFL) for the Cincinnati Bengals and the Washington Redskins from 1986 to 1994. Before his NFL career, he played college football at the University of Tennessee, where he set school career records for receptions, receiving yards, and touchdown receptions, and was named an All American his senior year.

Lawrence Anthony Miller is an American former professional football player who was a wide receiver in the National Football League (NFL) for the San Diego Chargers, Denver Broncos and Dallas Cowboys. He played college football at the University of Tennessee.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Robert Meachem</span> American football player (born 1984)

Robert Emery Meachem is an American former professional football player who was a wide receiver in the National Football League (NFL), primarily with the New Orleans Saints. He played college football for the Tennessee Volunteers, earning first-team All-American honors in 2006. Meachem was selected by New Orleans in the first round of the 2007 NFL draft with the 27th overall pick. He also played one season with the San Diego Chargers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dwayne Bowe</span> American football player (born 1984)

Dwayne Lorenzo Bowe is a former American football wide receiver. He played college football at Louisiana State University, and was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in the first round of the 2007 NFL Draft. He played for the Chiefs from 2007 to 2014. He led the NFL in receiving touchdowns with 15 in 2010, earning Pro Bowl and Second-team All-Pro honors. He also played for the Cleveland Browns in 2015.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2007 Tennessee Volunteers football team</span> American college football season

The 2007 Tennessee Volunteers football team represented the University of Tennessee in the 2007 NCAA Division I FBS football season. They won the Eastern Division of the Southeastern Conference before falling to the eventual national champion LSU Tigers in the SEC Championship Game. The Vols capped off the season by defeating the Wisconsin Badgers in the Outback Bowl to finish with a record of 10–4.

Clyde Louis Duncan, Jr. was an American professional footballl player who was a wide receiver for the St. Louis Cardinals of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Tennessee Volunteers. Duncan was a first-round pick for the Cardinals in the 1984 NFL draft, but he only played in 1984 and 1985, finishing his career with just four receptions.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kendall Wright</span> American football player (born 1989)

Kendall Thomas Wright is an American former professional football player who was a wide receiver in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Baylor Bears, earning All-American honors in 2011. He is their career leader in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns. Wright was selected by the Tennessee Titans in the first round, 20th overall, of the 2012 NFL Draft.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Justin Hunter</span> American football player (born 1991)

Justin Parker Hunter is an American former professional football player who was a wide receiver in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Tennessee Volunteers. Hunter was selected by the Tennessee Titans in the second round of the 2013 NFL draft.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">DeAndre Hopkins</span> American football player (born 1992)

DeAndre Rashaun Hopkins, nicknamed "DHop" and "Nuk", is an American football wide receiver for the Tennessee Titans of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Clemson Tigers and was selected by the Houston Texans in the first round of the 2013 NFL draft. Hopkins is a five-time Pro Bowler and has also been named to five All-Pro teams. He also played for the Arizona Cardinals.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cordarrelle Patterson</span> American football player (born 1991)

Cordarrelle Patterson, nicknamed "Flash", is an American football running back for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League (NFL). A versatile utility player, he plays running back, wide receiver, return specialist, and occasionally on defense. Patterson played college football for the Hutchinson Blue Dragons before transferring to the Tennessee Volunteers, where he earned first-team All-SEC honors. He was selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the first round of the 2013 NFL draft. He has also been a member of the Oakland Raiders, New England Patriots, Chicago Bears, and the Atlanta Falcons.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Stefon Diggs</span> American football player (born 1993)

Stefon Marsean Diggs is an American football wide receiver for the Houston Texans of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Maryland Terrapins, and was selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the fifth round of the 2015 NFL draft.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mike Evans (wide receiver)</span> American football player (born 1993)

Michael Lynn Evans III is an American football wide receiver for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League (NFL). Evans played college football for the Texas A&M Aggies, earning consensus All-American honors after recording a school record of 1,394 receiving yards on 69 receptions. He was selected by the Buccaneers in the first round with the seventh overall pick in the 2014 NFL draft.

William Joseph Clinkscales is an American football executive and former player who recently served as the director of player personnel for the Vegas Vipers of the XFL. Clinkscales was previously the director of player personnel for the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League (NFL). He has worked for the New York Jets from 1994 to 2012, rising to Vice President of College Scouting during his final four years with the team. A former wide receiver, he was drafted in 1987 by the Pittsburgh Steelers. He played in the NFL for two seasons, initially with the Steelers, and then with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Corey Davis (wide receiver)</span> American football player (born 1995)

Corey Damon Davis is an American professional football wide receiver who is a free agent. He played college football at Western Michigan, where he became the NCAA Division I FBS leader in career receiving yards. He was selected by the Tennessee Titans fifth overall in the 2017 NFL Draft, where he played for four seasons before signing with the New York Jets.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Anthony Miller (wide receiver, born 1994)</span> American football player (born 1994)

Anthony Miller is an American football wide receiver for the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Memphis.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">A. J. Brown</span> American football player (born 1997)

Arthur Juan Brown Sr. is an American football wide receiver for the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Ole Miss Rebels and was drafted by the Tennessee Titans in the second round of the 2019 NFL draft.

References

  1. 1 2 "1978 Signees Archived March 4, 2016, at the Wayback Machine , 1978 Tennessee Volunteers Football Guide, p. 55.
  2. ↑ "1979 Squad," 1979 Tennessee Volunteers Football Guide, p. 43.
  3. 1 2 "1980 Squad," 1980 Tennessee Volunteers Football Guide, p. 43.
  4. ↑ "Offense Remains Placid for Fourth Week Archived March 4, 2016, at the Wayback Machine ," 1981 Tennessee Volunteers Football Guide, p. 86.
  5. 1 2 "1981 Squad Archived March 4, 2016, at the Wayback Machine ," 1981 Tennessee Volunteers Football Guide, p. 44.
  6. ↑ "Alatorre-Hancock Combo Saves Vols," 1981 Tennessee Volunteers Football Guide, p. 84.
  7. ↑ "Duncan's Artistry Provides Breathing Room Archived December 22, 2015, at the Wayback Machine ," 1981 Tennessee Volunteers Football Guide, p. 85.
  8. 1 2 3 4 5 J.D. Rutledge, "Vol Profile: Anthony Hancock," Tennessee vs. Wichita State Football Guide (1981), pp. 47–48.
  9. ↑ "1981 Offensive Statistics," 1982 Tennessee Volunteers Football Guide, p. 91.
  10. ↑ "Furnas' 100-yard Performance Dooms Memphis State," 1982 Tennessee Volunteers Football Guide, p. 88.
  11. ↑ Individual Football Records Archived October 31, 2013, at the Wayback Machine , UTSports.com, pp. 370, 386.
  12. ↑ Career Football Statistics Archived October 31, 2013, at the Wayback Machine , UTSports.com. Retrieved: November 23, 2013.
  13. ↑ Individual Football Records Archived October 31, 2013, at the Wayback Machine , UTSports.com, p. 340.
  14. ↑ Mike Strange, "Vols Were Sugar Sweet," Knoxnews.com, September 30, 2012. Retrieved: November 23, 2013.
  15. ↑ Ben Byrd, "Tim McGee: The Dean of Receivers Archived November 13, 2013, at the Wayback Machine ," 1984 Football Press Guide: UT vs. Maryland (Sun Bowl), p. D-8. Originally published in the Knoxville Journal. Retrieved: November 23, 2013.
  16. ↑ Anthony Hancock: 1982 Game Logs, NFL.com. Retrieved: November 23, 2013.
  17. ↑ Anthony Hancock: 1983 Game Logs, NFL.com. Retrieved: November 23, 2013.
  18. ↑ Anthony Hancock: 1984 Game Logs, NFL.com. Retrieved: November 23, 2013.
  19. ↑ Anthony Hancock: 1985 Game Logs, NFL.com. Retrieved: November 23, 2013.
  20. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Paige Huntoon, "The Volunteer: Candidate Profile of Anthony Hancock, Running for the 18th District Seat in the State Legislature," Metro Pulse, October 17, 2012. Accessed at the Internet Archive, October 2, 2015.
  21. ↑ Board of Directors, Tennessee Education Association official website. Retrieved: November 23, 2013.
  22. 1 2 Mike Blackerby, "Steve Hall Re-elected to 2nd Term," Knoxville News Sentinel, November 6, 2012. Retrieved: November 23, 2013.
  23. ↑ "Johnny Majors Holds Political Rally for Former Player Anthony Hancock," WATE.com, October 9, 2012. Retrieved: November 23, 2013
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.