Video: Former MSU Quarterback’s Record Is Tied

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STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) — Mississippi State University is riding high in the football world, after just 23 days the team is at the top of their game. A former MSU quarterback is also savoring the team’s number one ranking. That is after having his 54 year old record tied by a 25 year old player with the Houston Texans.

Former quarterback Bill Stacy is an MSU Hall of Fame Alumni and one of the greatest athletes to ever play for Mississippi State. Clutching a picture with his two brothers Benny and Bobby, Bill Stacy is the one of the trio of foster kids that went pro.

“My first love was track. Second love was football so they put me at quarterback, that’s where I stayed until I got into the pros. And then the pros drafted me as a defensive halfback,” said Bill Stacy/MSU Hall Of Fame Quarterback.

The 1959 number one draft pick who still has his old time helmet from that era, signed with the Chicago Cardinals. Stacy remembers playing with great athletes of the game. Johnny Unitas, and Jim Brown of the Cleveland Browns.

“Defensive back said don’t try to take Brown on by yourself cause he will hurt you. And he knows what he was talking about. And I was sort of like thought, I can take him on. He knocked me into next week,” said Stacy.

With all of his defense abilities and ground gaining accomplishments, for 54 years Stacy was the only player in football history to get a reception touchdown, fumble return, and interception. That’s all changed, 25 year old JJ Watts with the Houston Texans is now up there with Stacy.

“Well they said you scored three touchdowns and they gave the order and said Mr. Watts has tied your record. I said does he feel good? I bet he is getting paid for it, I wasn’t. My salary was $12,000 and I got a $1,000 bonus for signing,” said Stacy.

The average pro football salaries can’t compare to those of today’s players. And about being ranked number one in the country, Stacy suggests caution on the part of the Bull Dog Team.

“A figure they put out there number one. You still got to play. And we’ve got four-five more games. And four of those could possibly, if you are not on your toes get your ears pinned,” said Stacy.

But for right now, Stacy’s has a pat on the back for his old team and their coach. Especially after the great win over LSU and the 38-23 victory over then Number 2 Auburn.

“They have done an outstanding job out there building that squad, getting the personnel that they need. And you know its a pleasure for Mississippi people to see them win like they are today,” said Stacy.

Between 1985 and 1989, Stacy was Mayor of Starkville.