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Terry Beasley, legendary Auburn wide receiver, dies at 73

ns_headshot_2024-clearby: Nick Schultz02/01/24NickSchultz_7

Terry Beasley, one of the all-time great wide receivers in Auburn history, has died. He was 73 years old.

Beasley starred for the Tigers from 1969-71 and wrapped up his legendary career with unanimous All-American honors in 1971. That year, he was the top target for Heisman Trophy winner Pat Sullivan, hauling in 55 receptions for 846 yards and 12 touchdowns as Auburn finished 9-2.

The San Francisco 49ers then selected him with the No. 19 overall pick in the 1972 NFL Draft. He played in the league until 1975 when injuries forced him to retire.

“We’ve lost one of our all-time greats,” Auburn wrote in its announcement. “One of three Tigers to have their jersey retired.”

Beasley turned in the biggest season of his career as a sophomore in 1970 when he had 52 receptions for 1,051 yards and 11 touchdowns. That earned him his first All-American selection with a second-team nod, as well consensus All-SEC honors.

Beasley left Auburn as the program’s all-time leader with 2,507 receiving yards and 29 touchdown receptions – both of which still stand. In addition, he also holds Auburn records with eight consecutive games with a touchdown and 12 career 100-yard games.

However, he dealt with multiple concussions throughout his career, which is why his NFL career ended so prematurely. In fact, he was one of the plaintiffs in a lawsuit against the league and said he “multiple past traumatic brain injuries with symptoms including but not limited to, memory loss, headaches, anxiety and sleeplessness,” according to AL.com. The sides reached a comprehensive settlement in 2016.

Following his retirement, Auburn retired Beasley’s No. 88 jersey. He’s one of three Tigers players to have their jerseys retired, along with Sullivan’s No. 7 and Bo Jackson’s No. 34. He was also elected to the College Football Hall of Fame in 2002.

The connection with Sullivan was a crucial part of Auburn’s success during that run, and he had some high praise for Beasley when discussing his career.

“He was way ahead of his time,” Sullivan said once, via AL.com. “He was as fast as anyone playing the game. But the thing that really set him apart was that he was awfully, awfully, strong.”

After Auburn announced Beasley’s passing, Tigers great and current SEC Network analyst Cole Cubelic posted a tribute to the iconic wide receiver.

“Will never forget Terry Beasley coming to speak to the team while I was at Auburn,” Cubelic wrote on X. “Impossible not immediately gain the upmost respect. A true Auburn man. A true Auburn legend. Thoughts & prayers with his family.”