Lee Edward Bouggess (January 18, 1948 – July 4, 2024) was an American professional football player who was a running back for three seasons in the National Football League (NFL) for the Philadelphia Eagles from 1970 to 1973. He was selected by the Eagles in the third round of the 1970 NFL draft. He played college football for the Louisville Cardinals.

Lee Bouggess
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Bouggess in 1972
No. 46
Position:Running back
Personal information
Born:(1948-01-18)January 18, 1948
Louisville, Kentucky, U.S.
Died:July 4, 2024(2024-07-04) (aged 76)
Atco, New Jersey, U.S.
Height:6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)
Weight:210 lb (95 kg)
Career information
College:Louisville
NFL draft:1970 / round: 3 / pick: 59
Career history
Career NFL statistics
Games played:32
Starts:19
Rushing yards:697 (2.6 average)
Rushing TDs:5
Receiving yards:589 (7.6 average)
Receiving TDs:3
Stats at Pro Football Reference

College career

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At Louisville, Bouggess started his career as a Defensive end. He performed well enough at that position to be named to the All Missouri Valley Conference team in 1967 and 1968.[1] Before his Senior year, Bouggess was converted to Running Back. In 1969, Bouggess excelled, compiling 6 games of 100 yards or more rushing[2] on his way to a MVC leading 1,064 rushing yards.[3]

Professional career

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Philadelphia Eagles

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Bouggess was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the third round of the 1970 NFL draft. As a rookie in 1970, Bouggess had one of the worst seasons ever with a yards-per-carry average of 2.52, the lowest in NFL history.[4] However, he currently ranks sixth for all Eagles rookies with 50 receptions, only behind Keith Jackson (81), DeSean Jackson (62), Don Looney (58), Jeremy Maclin (56) and Charle Young (55).[5] Bouggess would miss the entire 1972 season due to knee injuries.[6]

In his three-year career, Bouggess played in 32 games, but never started in any. He rushed for 697 yards on 271 carries and two touchdowns with an average of 2.6 yards-per-carry. He also caught 78 passes for 589 yards and three touchdowns.[7]

Death

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Bouggess died at a care facility in Atco, New Jersey on July 4, 2024, at the age of 76.[8]

References

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  1. ^ Philadelphia Eagles (1973). Eagles 1973 Media Guide (Philadelphia). p. 15.
  2. ^ Philadelphia Eagles (1973). Eagles 1973 Media Guide (Philadelphia). p. 15.
  3. ^ "Lee Bouggess College Stats". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved September 4, 2022.
  4. ^ "The worst individual seasons in sports history". ESPN.com. January 10, 2008. Retrieved March 3, 2010.
  5. ^ Frank, Reuben (December 8, 2009). "Hanson rejoins club after suspension". Burlington County Times. Retrieved March 3, 2010.[permanent dead link]
  6. ^ Philadelphia Eagles (1973). Eagles 1973 Media Guide (Philadelphia). p. 15.
  7. ^ "Lee Bouggess". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved March 3, 2010.
  8. ^ "Lee Edward Bouggess". Courier Post. Retrieved August 13, 2024.
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