University of Tennessee Athletics
FORMER FOOTBALL ALL-AMERICA TED DAFFER DIES
March 08, 2006 | Football
March 8, 2006
Terrell "Ted" Daffer, a two-time All-America and a member of Tennessee's 1951 National Championship team, died March 1 in Atlanta. He was 76.
Mr. Daffer grew up in Norfolk, Va., and played defensive guard for the Vols 1949-51. He was known for his quickness at the position. He was named All-SEC in 1950 and 1951 and was selected Most Outstanding Lineman by the Birmingham Quarterback Club in 1950.
In 1950, Mr. Daffer was an All-America selection by Colliers Magazine and in 1951 was recognized as All-America by International News Service, Newspaper Enterprise Association and the New York Daily News.
Mr. Daffer was named to the SEC's Quarter Century Team (1950-74). "He always was the first to the cover the kickoff," said Pat Shires, a teammate of Daffer in 1950. "He had great speed."
He played in the 1952 Senior Bowl and was selected in the NFL draft by the Chicago Bears in the 21st round. After two years of service football for the Army, Mr. Daffer went on to play for the Bears for one season in 1954 and later the Ottawa Rough Riders in the Canadian Football League.
Mr. Daffer also was an SEC football official and was involved in the manufacture and sales of athletic clothing and sportswear.
Mr. Daffer is survived by his wife, Barbara, of Ellenton, Fla.; sons, Terrell Edwin "Bob" Daffer of Stone Mountain, Ga.; Chris Daffer of Knoxville; daughters, Karen Bradley of Buckhead, Ga., Merry Joyce Dea of Louisville, Yvonne Green of Atlanta; and Angela Mangrum of Suwannee, Ga.; sisters, Virginia Younce of Scottsdale, Ariz.; and Gloria Enos of Norfolk, Va.; nine grandchildren.
Following cremation, the family is planning a waterside service on March 25 in Ellenton, Fla. Donations may be sent to the Alzheimer's Association, 2200 Sutherland Ave., Knoxville, Tenn. 37919.
