BILLY LOTHRIDGE

GAINESVILLE HIGH SCHOOL

Billy Lothridge was a phenomenal talent that played quarterback for Gainesville High. Lothridge led the Red Elephants to the semifinals in 1959 for the first time in seven years, and was selected as an All-State player twice in his career. Lothridge enrolled at Georgia Tech for his collegiate career and was the starting quarterback for the Yellow Jackets' final three seasons in the SEC. He was the Heisman Trophy runner-up to Navy’s Roger Staubach in 1963. Lothridge was also a kicker for Tech, and hit 21 field goals and 51 extra points in his career. Lothridge finished his collegiate career with 2,394 passing yards and 746 rushing yards in 30 games, and was a two-time All-SEC selection and All-American. He was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the sixth round of the 1964 NFL Draft, and would transition to punter and safety. Lothridge won the NFL punting title in 1967 with a 43.7-yard average and also received All-Pro honors. He would have a nine-year career in the NFL before retiring in 1973. Lothridge was inducted into the Georgia Tech Sports Hall of Fame in 1969, the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame in 1986, and was selected to the Georgia Tech All-Time Team in 1991. He is survived by his two daughters Leigh and Lauri, and his sister Beverly.