Guido Merkens
In this article, we will explore the fascinating world of Guido Merkens, analyzing its impact on society and its relevance today. From its origins to its evolution today, Guido Merkens has been the subject of study and debate in different areas, generating growing interest from academics, professionals and enthusiasts. Through a deep and detailed look, we will examine the various aspects related to Guido Merkens, its influence on popular culture, its role in technological development and its importance in the global panorama. Likewise, we will address the different perspectives and opinions around Guido Merkens, with the aim of offering a comprehensive and complete vision of this exciting topic.
| No. 29, 12, 26, 19 | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Position: | Quarterback, wide receiver, defensive back, punter, return specialist | ||||||||
| Personal information | |||||||||
| Born: | August 14, 1955 San Antonio, Texas, U.S. | ||||||||
| Height: | 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) | ||||||||
| Weight: | 200 lb (91 kg) | ||||||||
| Career information | |||||||||
| High school: | Edison (San Antonio) | ||||||||
| College: | Sam Houston State | ||||||||
| Undrafted: | 1977 | ||||||||
| Career history | |||||||||
| |||||||||
| Career NFL statistics | |||||||||
| |||||||||
Guido Albert Merkens Jr. (born August 14, 1955) is an American former professional football player who was a quarterback, running back, wide receiver, punter and defensive back for 10 seasons for the Houston Oilers, New Orleans Saints and Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League (NFL).
Early life and college
Merkins was born on August 14, 1955, in San Antonio, Texas.[1] Merkens' father, Guido Sr., served as founding pastor of Concordia Lutheran Church in San Antonio and was a vice-president of the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod.[2] Merkens was a 1973 graduate of Edison High School in San Antonio. He then played college football at both quarterback and defensive back for the Sam Houston Bearkats. His versatility became a hallmark of his professional career.[3]
Professional football
Merkins played his first two seasons in the NFL for the Houston Oilers.[4] He was primarily a punt return specialist for the Oilers.[1] He was claimed off the waiver wire by the Saints in late 1980, and played from 1981-1985[5][1] During his tenure with the Saints, he served as the third-string quarterback, holder for field goals and a "primary" special teams player; with occasional time as a wide receiver, punter or safety. He also handled some kickoff and punt returns. His penchant for being the emergency backup for all of the aforementioned positions earned him the reputation of a "jack of all trades". In 1981, he reached number three receiver status, starting eleven games, with 29 receptions, 458 yards and one touchdown.[6][4]
Merkens unusual versatility made him an extremely popular player for the Saints, and he has been called a Saints legend.[4]
After not playing in 1986,[4] Merkens was a replacement player during the NFL players strike of 1987 for the Philadelphia Eagles, playing quarterback.[7] Merkens was sacked 10 times by the Chicago Bears replacement team in his first game, a 35–3 loss.[8]
Later life
In 2007, Merkens was general manager of a CarMax dealership in the Houston.[9]
Merkens was inducted into the Sam Houston Hall of Honor in 1988.[10]
References
- ^ a b c "Guido Merkens Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved January 31, 2025.
- ^ "Guido Merkens, former LCMS vice-president, dies". January 13, 2012.
- ^ David Flores, "Edison graduate played with Saints during hard times" Archived March 6, 2014, at the Wayback Machine, KENS, February 7, 2010.
- ^ a b c d Hirstius, Barry (June 25, 2018). "30-Plus Years Later, the Unforgettable "Legend of Guido" Lives On For the New Orleans Saints". Sports Illustrated New Orleans Saints News, Analysis and More. Retrieved October 6, 2024.
- ^ Nadeau, Rene (December 4, 2017). "Remembering Guido Merkens, former Saints' Swiss Army knife". Crescent City Sports. Retrieved January 31, 2025.
- ^ Don Pierson, "Eagle Subs Clobbered Already-by Ryan", Chicago Tribune, October 2, 1987.
- ^ Zimmerman, Paul (October 5, 1987). "When Push Came to Shove". Sports Illustrated.
- ^ Tribune, Chicago (October 5, 1987). "NEAR BEARS SOCK IT TO EAGLES". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved October 6, 2024.
- ^ Dale Robertson, "Remembering the Luv Ya Blue Oilers (w/video)" Archived 2014-10-27 at the Wayback Machine, Houston Chronicle, December 10, 2007.
- ^ "Guido Merkens (1988) - Hall of Honor". Sam Houston. Retrieved October 6, 2024.
 | This biographical article relating to an American football defensive back born in the 1950s is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. |