Former Washington Redskins quarterback Sammy Baugh was named to the NFL 100 All-Time Team, the league announced Friday night.
Drafted sixth overall in 1937, Baugh revolutionized the quarterback position with his passing prowess during his 16-year career in Washington.
He led the league in completion percentage eight times, passing yards four times and passing touchdowns twice -- all of which helped him become a first-team All-Pro three times and make the Pro Bowl five times. He also led the Redskins to NFL championships in 1937 and 1942.
"A great dropback passer in an era where the forward pass was really just becoming more prevalent," said New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick about Baugh. "He had a great touch on downfield throws, strong throw but very accurate. That was a big part of the passing game in the 40s; a lot of passes were not made to go two or three yards and possession passes. They were home run balls. The footwork here with Baugh wasn't as classic as what we see these days, but his accuracy and ability to put the ball on the money was remarkable."
But as Belichick mentioned on set of NFL 100 All-Time Team on NFL Network, Baugh was more than a legendary passer. He led the NFL in yards per punt five times, and he still holds the record for highest yards per punt in a single season, which he did in 1940 with an average of 51.4.
In 1943, Baugh led the league in completion percentage, total punting yards and interceptions, corralling 11 opposing passing as a defensive back.
"Very athletic player," Belichick added. "Baugh being a great punter, this was difficult for the defense to have to be in position to handle the punts as well as possible third-down, fourth-down passes."
Baugh is a Redskins Ring of Famer and one of the 70 Greatest Redskins, while his No. 33 is the only number the franchise has officially retired. He is also a member of the 1940s All-Decade Team and the 75th Anniversary All-Time Team.
In 1963, Baugh and 16 others made up the inaugural class of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Baugh is one of 10 quarterbacks to make the NFL 100 All-Time team, joining the following players: Joe Montana, Tom Brady, Brett Favre, Peyton Manning, Otto Graham, Johnny Unitas, Roger Staubach, John Elway and Dan Marino.
Other longtime Redskins to make the roster of the century include safety Ken Houston, cornerback Darrell Green and head coach Joe Gibbs.
