Herb Rich, a three-sport star at Vanderbilt and defensive captain of the New York Giants when they won the NFL title in 1956. A running back for the 1948 Vanderbilt team that went 8-2-1, Rich shifted to safety as a pro. A sixth-round draft pick by the Baltimore Colts, he logged seven seasons with Baltimore, the Los Angeles Rams and the New York Giants. His 23-yard average on punt returns for the 1950 Colts stands as an NFL record.
Rich went to Vanderbilt Law School while a NFL pro and has been practicing law since football retirement in Nashville. Rich was also an avid tennis player and even in his 70's was known to still be able to run backwards on the golf course after hitting a long one at his country club. Rich had a fall at home about 3 weeks ago and death was due to complications.
Rich continued to support Vanderbilt and their athletics long after his graduation and was proud of his Vanderbilt friends of over 50 years. His most enduring legacy will be the many lives he touched. Rich was always a gentleman and a role model for future athletes and students of Vanderbilt.
Condolences to his wife Carla, 3 children, multi friends and clients and to the whole Vanderbilt community.
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