Claude Humphrey
Inducted:
2014
Player Stats
6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)
252 lb (114 kg)
Born:
June 29, 1944
Memphis, Tennessee, U.S.
Died:
December 3, 2021
Memphis, Tennessee, U.S.
Position:
Defensive End
College:
Tennessee A&I (1964–1967)
Claude Humphrey, born February 16, 1944, in Memphis, Tennessee, was one of the most dominant defensive ends of his era. Playing primarily for the Atlanta Falcons from 1968 to 1978 and later the Philadelphia Eagles, Humphrey was known for his explosive pass rush, strength, and relentless pursuit of quarterbacks. He earned seven Pro Bowl selections and three First-Team All-Pro honors, establishing himself as a cornerstone of Atlanta’s defense.
Humphrey’s ability to disrupt offenses and generate turnovers helped his teams remain competitive in the NFL’s evolving landscape of the 1970s. Over a 13-season career, he recorded 126.5 unofficial sacks, multiple forced fumbles, and was feared for his speed off the edge.
Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2014, Humphrey’s career is celebrated for redefining the defensive end position, combining athleticism, power, and consistency to become one of the league’s premier pass rushers and a lasting influence on future generations.
Humphrey's Awards and Honors
- 7× Pro Bowl selection
- 3× First-Team All-Pro
- Ranked among top pass rushers of his era
- Key figure in Atlanta Falcons’ defensive development
NFL Records
- Consistently disrupted opposing offenses for over a decade
- Redefined the defensive end position with speed, power, and versatility
- Influenced future generations of defensive linemen with his technique and athleticism
- Recorded 126.5 career sacks, placing him among the top in NFL history pre-official sack tracking
NFL Teams
Atlanta Falcons (1968–1978)
Philadelphia Eagles (1979–1981)
NHL Draft:
1968: 1st round, 3rd overall
Atlanta Falcons
Number Worn:
87
NFL Stats
Seasons:
1968–1980
Games played:
171
Starts:
148
Forced fumbles:
11
Interceptions:
2
Touchdowns:
1
Pro Bowls:
7
First-Team All-Pro:
3