Tom Scott, a 1979 College Football Hall of Fame inductee from the University of Virginia who served on the NFF Board of Directors from 1977-2005, passed away Aug. 31. He was 84 years old.

A native of Baltimore, Md., Scott attended Calvert Hall College High School before enrolling at Virginia. He helped the Cavaliers to a 24-5 record from 1950-52 as a standout two-way end during the era of single platoon football. He also handled extra points and kickoffs. Virginia finished the 1951 season with an 8-1 record and ranked 13th nationally in The Associated Press' final Top-20 poll.

As a senior in 1952, Scott helped lead Virginia to an 8-2 record and was selected an All-American by the AP and Newspaper Enterprise Association. He also was a member of Virginia's USILA National Champion lacrosse team in 1952 and was an All-America defenseman in 1953.

Scott played in both the East-West Shrine Game and the College All-Star game in 1952 following his collegiate career. He played for two years alongside fellow College Football Hall of Famer Joe Palumbo in 1950 and 1951.

A fifth round pick of the Los Angeles Rams in 1953, he played for the Philadelphia Eagles from 1953-58 and for the New York Giants from 1959-64. Scott was on New York Giants teams that played in NFL title games in 1961, 1962 and 1963. He played linebacker during his professional career that saw him compete in the 1957 and 1958 Pro Bowls.

Following his football career, Scott established Thomas C. Scott Associates, an insurance firm in New York, where he worked for more than 40 years. He also served as the director of the NFL Alumni Association from 1968-71.

His devotion to the University of Virginia was strong and, in 1995, he and his family moved to Charlottesville, Va. Scott was heavily involved with the NFF as a board member, and he was key to the organization of the NFF’s Play It Smart program in Charlottesville.

Virginia retired Scott’s jersey during the 2008 season, and he was inducted into the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame in 1989. In 2013, he was included into the Atlantic Coast Conference’s Legends Class.

A visitation is scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 3 at Teague Funeral Home (2260 Ivy Rd, Charlottesville, Va.) from 6-8 p.m. A memorial service is Friday, Sept. 4 at 2 p.m. at Church of our Saviour (1165 East Rio Road, Charlottesville, Va.). 

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