Local sports icon Ron Widby was named as a member of the Tennessee basketball all century team. George Ronald “Ron” Widby was born here in Knoxville, Tennessee and Graduated from Fulton High School. Ron played Football, Basketball, Baseball and Golf for the Vols and was named All-America in football and basketball. Widby is also a member of the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame. Widby is considered by many to be one of Tennessee’s most gifted athletes of all time. Widby was and is Tennessee’s last Vol to letter in four(count’em) four different varsity sports. He had three in football, three in basketball, and one each for baseball and golf. Widby led the Vols to basketball SEC championship in 1967. On the night of Widby’s final home basketball game he dropped a cool 50 points against LSU, a school record that stood for twenty years until it was finally broken by Tony White. Widby’s accomplishments at UT will go down as one of the most storied of all time. After leaving Tennessee Widby went on to play for in the NFL with the Dallas Cowboys and the Green Bay Packers, Ron played in Super Bowl V and Won a Super Bowl Ring in Super Bowl VI. Ron was also chosen to the Pro Bowl in 1971. As if re-writing the UT record book was not enough Widby kicked a 84 yard punt which is still a Dallas Cowboy record today. Not only was Ron a professional football star but he also played ABA basketball for the New Orleans Buccaneers and later Widby even made the Senior tour as a professional golfer. Ron Widby is one of the greatest sports stories in Tennessee history. Unfortunately as time goes by the history begins to fade. It is our responsibility as Tennessee Fans to ensure that our Legends are remembered and praised for their accomplishments  and what they have given the University and fans. If you consider yourself a Vol fan share this story with the younger generation of Fans.

Pictures provided by Kathy Ramsay Cummins
Ron with his wife Debbie

Ron with is nephew Randy Cummins and Randy’s son Chase

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