First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States
October 11, 2018
TOUR BEYOND the GARDEN GATE
October 11, 2018
On Saturdays in the fall, a Larose native leads the LSU football team into battle in some of the most difficult college football venues in the country.
One of his inspirations as a child is a fellow Larose native who earned one of the highest football players that anyone can ever receive this past week from the SEC offices.
Larose native Ronnie Estay was named as LSU’s 2018 SEC Football Legend — a high honor for one of the greatest local football players of all-time.
Estay was an All-American at LSU in 1971 at defensive tackle. He was also a two-time All-SEC winner in both 1970 and 1971.
After college, Estay went on to be one of the best football players in the history of the Canadian Football League, winning six Grey Cup (their version of the Super Bowl) titles in an 11-year career.
Prior to his distinction as a SEC Football Legend, Estay was already honored as a member of the LSU Athletic Hall of Fame, the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and the Canadian Football Hall of Fame.
“I’ve just been so blessed,” Estay said at a speaking appearance last year. “God has given me the ability and the motivation and I’ve had opportunities. I’m so thankful to the teams, the coaches, the teammates and all of the people who’ve given me the opportunity to compete. It’s been the thrill of a lifetime.”
Estay, known down the bayou in Lafourche Parish as “Crockett” was a beast in every sense of the word.
With LSU, he was a multi-year starter and a true student-athlete, posting Academic All-SEC honors in 1970 as a junior.
On the field, Estay was an anchor for an LSU defense that was No. 1 in rushing in both 1969 and 1970. The Tigers won the 1970 SEC Championship with Crockett serving as one of the team’s top players.
He was drafted in the eighth-round of the 1972 NFL Draft by the Denver Broncos, but opted instead for a career in Canada — a decision which proved wise.
Crockett played a decade in Canada from 1972-1982, earning All-Star honors in 1973, 1977, 1978 and 1980. He also won the Grey Cup with the Edmonton Eskimos in 1975, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1981 and 1982.
Late in his career, Estay played a season in the USFL with the Washington Federals. After retirement, he’s stayed active, coaching in Canada from 2001-08, while also serving as a motivational speaker around the country.
The 2018 class of SEC legends will be honored at the 2018 SEC Football “Weekend of Champi
ons” from Nov. 30-Dec. 1 in Atlanta.
He, as well as legends from other SEC schools, will be honored at the annual SEC Legends Dinner presented by AT&T on Nov. 30 at the Hyatt Regency. The group will also be recognized before the SEC Championship Game on Dec. 1.
This year’s class of SEC legends is below.
ALABAMA
Halfback Shaun Alexander
One of the most productive backs in the history of the Crimson Tide program and a former NFL MVP.
ARKANSAS
Halfback Darren McFadden
A two-time runner-up for the Heisman Trophy and one of the most explosive college football players in recent age.
AUBURN
Halfback Ronnie Brown
A first-team All-SEC selection as a senior for Auburn’s 13-0 team. He was the No. 2 overall pick in the NFL draft and a 10-year pro.
FLORIDA
Safety Lawrence Wright
A four-year letter winner at safety and the 1996 Jim Thorpe Award winner, given to the nation’s best defensive back.
GEORGIA
Receiver Hines Ward
A Jack of all trades at Georgia, Ward was a receiver, quarterback and halfback. He was a four-time Pro Bowl winner and two-time Super Bowl Champion in the NFL.
KENTUCKY
Former coach Rich Brooks
Kentucky is not known for its football successes, but Brooks was an exception in his tenure from 2003-09, leading the Wildcats to four-straight bowl games.
OLE MISS
Punter Jim Miller
Miller was a three-time All-SEC performer in the 1970s for the Rebels and a six-year veteran in the NFL, including winning Rookie of the Year.
MISSISSIPPI STATE
Receiver Mardye McDole
McDole is considered to be the best receiver in Mississippi State history, owning three All-SEC honors. He is also the school’s all-time leader in almost every receiving statistic.
MISSOURI
Halfback Devin West
West was a semifinalist for the Doak Walker Award in 1998 after rushing for a Missouri-record 1,578 yards and 17 touchdowns.
SOUTH CAROLINA
Linebacker Eric Norwood
Norwood was a monster for the Gamecocks’ defense from 2006-09, earning Freshman All-American honors in his first season, then three-time All-SEC honors in his career.
TENNESSEE
Former coach Phil Fulmer
Fulmer is one of the best coaches in SEC history, having served as the Volunteers’ coach from 1992-2008. He led the Vols to the 1998 BCS National Championship game and several other major bowl appearances.
TEXAS A&M
DB Pat Thomas
Thomas was a two-time All-American defensive back for the Aggies in the 1970s. He ascended to the NFL and was a multi-time All-Pro and Pro Bowl winner.
VANDERBILT
Halfback Zac Stacy
Stacy was an elite halfback, earning two-time All-SEC honors, which rushing for 3,143 yards and 30 touchdowns in his career.
