Sammy White (American football)

Sammy White (born March 3, 1954 in Winnsboro, Louisiana) is a former American football wide receiver in the NFL.

After attending Grambling State University, White played all ten seasons (1976–1985) of his professional career as a wide receiver with the Minnesota Vikings, winning the Associated Press Offensive Rookie of the Year and UPI NFL-NFC Rookie of the Year awards in 1976. He was a two-time Pro Bowl selection in 1976 and 1977. In 128 career games, he totaled 393 receptions, 6,400 receiving yards, and 50 touchdowns.

Notoriety

One of the most spectacular and ferocious hits in NFL history happened to White during Super Bowl XI, held on January 9, 1977 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. During a 3rd and long play, Fran Tarkenton dropped deep into the pocket and delivered a bullet to White who was on crossing route, with Oakland Raiders DB Skip Thomas meeting him in the middle. As White made a spectacular catch on the ball he was hit helmet-to-helmet by Raiders safety Jack Tatum, while Thomas closed the gap. The collision knocked White's helmet and chin strap off, sending the helmet tumbling about eight yards backwards from where they landed. Although shaken on the play, he held onto the ball gaining the Vikings a first down. He would return to the game, however the Vikings were outscored 32-14,