Hall of Fame
Position: Linebacker
Years: 1983-1986
Place of Birth: Spalding County, GA
Date of Birth: Apr 04, 1965
Jersey Number: 88
Height: 5-11
Weight: 230
High School: Griffin, GA (Griffin HS)
Throughout his career, linebacker Jessie Tuggle was always thought of as too small and too slow to play. He was un-recruited by any Division I school so he went division II Valdosta State. After his college career, he was un-drafted, yet managed to play 14 seasons in the NFL and appeared in five Pro Bowls. His 5-10, 180 pound size out of high school left him with only two scholarship offers. Once at Valdosta he began to silence all who doubted him. At VSU, Jessie lettered all four years and made the All-Gulf South conference team for three consecutive years. Jessie captured the school's Hugh C. Bailey Player of the Year award twice. He gained All-America status as a senior. After his career, Valdosta retired his # 88 and named its athletic workout facility the Jessie Tuggle Strength and Fitness complex. The naming of the training center after Tuggle is appropriate as it was his work ethic and preparation that made him a Hall of Fame performer. "I've tried my whole life to work hard and prepare myself for that opportunity when it comes around," he said. "It doesn't do you any good to get a chance if you're not prepared to take advantage of it." In addition to hard work he was also known for being a hard hitter that earned him the nickname "The Hammer." In the NFL, he was signed as a free agent with the Atlanta Falcons and was 17th on the depth chart before working himself into a pro bowl player. After football, Jessie has devoted a great deal of his time to charitable efforts.
