Fan Memories:

Razorback fans share their memories of former Hog greats. Send us an email and include your name if you want it listed. Or it can be anonymous.

'As a youngster -- very young -- my favorite player was Joe Ferguson, quarterback for the heartbreaking hometown team, the Buffalo Bills. I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Ferguson when I was four years old when he was signing autographs in an appliance store in Fredonia, NY, and can honestly say I had never been in awe of anyone -- not Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, or when I was older, other professional athletes, politicians or celebrities the way I was in awe of Mr. Ferguson at that moment. I could not speak. He was, however, extremely gracious to my parents, brother and sister, signed (free) autographs, talked a little football and acted like the class individual we knew him to be. The clock that my family bought at the appliance store still hangs in my parents' kitchen to this day, by the way.

A pretty lame story, I know, but I just wanted to mention that Joe Ferguson held a special place in the heart of a young football fan and that he still holds a special place in the heart of Western New Yorkers. We are lucky to have three great quarterbacks in the last 20 years -- Ferguson, Jim Kelly and Drew Bledsoe -- who are not only great athletes but outstanding citizens, as well.'

Ben K.

'It was November of 1996 and we were moving back to Arkansas from a three year job transfer in Baton Rouge. Had one weekend to find a new home in Fayetteville and were assigned Joe Ferguson as our Real Estate Agent. Joe
was working with Lindsey and Associates in Fayetteville just prior to becoming Quarterbacks coach at the University of Arkansas. Being a 36 year old man did not prevent me from reverting back to the starry eyed 11 year old kid from Little Rock when I first met Joe. I could not even shake his hand the first day of our real estate tour of Fayetteville. My wife later said she had never seen me act that way. Joe had been my hero growing up in the 70's thanks to the writings of the late Orville Henry and my fanatical following of the Razorbacks. Long story short, we ended up purchasing a home across the street from Joe and his wonderful family in Fayetteville. Joe and his wife Sandy are two of the nicest and most decent people we have ever met. Joe never lost sight of his roots despite the fame an 18 year NFL career can bring. He remains the most down to earth person I have ever known. He also fishes more than any person I have ever known.'

Jim W.

'It must have been about 1980/81. I was tapped to direct a few TV spots for First National Bank of Rochester. Joe Ferguson was the spokesperson and Lucius Sanford also appeared in a couple of spots. I just wanted to put into writing what a great pleasure it was to work with these guys. Particularly Joe. He was humble when he had every right to be arrogant. He was a gentleman in every sense of that word. And he gave 110% to everything we did - even when it was clear to me that he was less than comfortable speaking in front of a camera he pushed for personal excellence. I never was much interested in football so what I say is probably objective. If I was in awe of the man before I met him I might have seen him through the eyes of a fan. But the truth is I didn't know much about him before we worked together. The ad campaign we put together is long forgotten - and probably the FN Bank too (I've since moved to California and lost track) but my memory of Joe Ferguson is as fresh as yesterday. I remember someone brought their pre-teenage boy by to meet him during the shoot. He stopped everything and gave full attention to the kid. They tossed a ball back and forth for a few minutes. I could see that the kid was on a cloud. I remember Joe picking the kid's wild passes out of midair like there was glue on his fingertips even when the passes were several feet high and to the side - and all the while he calmly talked football to the kid as if he were a
visiting Pro. If I were to describe the best qualities of a man to my sons I bet I'd come pretty close to describing Joe Ferguson.

Joe invited me to have dinner with him in Buffalo after we wrapped. I've never quite figured out why I didn't take him up on his offer.

Here's to you, Joe Ferguson.'

Dwight Marcus G.

'After following his collegiate career at Arkansas I tried never to miss a Buffalo Bills game. That started in 1970 until 1985. It was a heart breaker to see this guy go to Detroit. Watching a Tampa game in the 80's brought a tear to my eye to see the guy who gave us so many heartaches and breaks and the Big wins sit on a bench. Joe you were one of the best! Those 4 come from behind td's at T. C. U. in '72, all those td's against Marino ! Every Saturday in the fall every Sunday in the winter! Thanks for the memories! Thank you for the few minutes you gave me outside the Alabama stadium in 1997 the photo-op and your autograph. It will hang in my office forever - because you were the inspiration to succeed. You always gave it 110% every down every play ! Thanks again.'

J.R. F.

As a very young coach at Louisiana Tech when Joe was there, I was in awe of the man for his simple kindness and unassuming nature. Having just come off a QB stint with the Indianapolis Colts at the age of 40, he never showed vain pride. He was just "the guy next door". His family was wonderful as well.

I'll never forget the day when he and Bert Jones (former LA Rams) threw the ball around for fun one day at Louisiana Tech stadium. As a 24 year old coach, I felt like a 10 year old kid in awe, having grown up a Razorback fan. Hearing Joe talk football was also very special.

Joe was just Joe. He was happy to travel the country during breaks in his playing and coaching, to speak at high school coaching clinics.

My prayers are with Joe and his family during his latest bout with leukemia in Houston right now. Also prayers to Joe Peace (my former boss) and his wife, Joe's sister. What an outstanding family they all are.

God bless you Joe.

Lance D.