Jumpy Geathers

James Allen "Jumpy" Geathers (born June 26, 1960) is a former American football defensive lineman. At the time of his retirement, he was the only active player who played for the now defunct Wichita State football program.

Career

He played defensive tackle for Willie Jeffries at Wichita State University, and then for thirteen seasons in the National Football League (New Orleans Saints 1984-1989, Washington Redskins 1990-1993, Atlanta Falcons 1994-1995, and Denver Broncos 1996). He was a part of the Redskins team that won Super Bowl XXVI. At 6' 7" and 290 pounds he was a forceful pass rusher, famous for his "forklift" rush, in which he picked up his blocker and carried him to the quarterback.^[1] Despite bad knees later in his career, Geathers played well into his 30's, unusual for a defensive tackle. Geather's career was cut short when he ruptured his achilles tendon during training camp with the Denver Broncos in 1997, the same year the Broncos would go on to win the Super Bowl for the first time in franchise history. He retired with 62 sacks in 183 games. Geathers attended Choppee High School located in Georgetown, South Carolina.

Relatives in Football

Geathers has two nephews in the NFL: Robert Geathers, who plays defensive end for the Cincinnati Bengals, and Clifton Geathers, who was drafted by the Cleveland Browns, but now plays defensive end for the Philadelphia Eagles. His son Jeremy Geathers signed an Undrafted Free Agent contract with the New Orleans Saints following the 2008 NFL Draft and is now in the Arena Football League with the Spokane Shock.

References

External links

• Denver Broncos bio from 1997