Guido Merkens
Guido Albert Merkens, Jr. (born August 14, 1955 in San Antonio, Texas) is a former professional American football player who played quarterback, running back, wide receiver, punter and defensive back for ten seasons for the Houston Oilers, New Orleans Saints and Philadelphia Eagles of the NFL.
| Position: | Quarterback, Wide receiver, Defensive back, Punter, Return specialist |
|---|---|
| Personal information | |
| Born: | August 14, 1955 San Antonio, Texas |
| Height: | 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) |
| Weight: | 200 lb (91 kg) |
| Career information | |
| College: | Sam Houston State |
| Undrafted: | 1977 |
| Career history | |
| |
Merkens was a 1973 graduate of Edison High School in San Antonio, then played both quarterback and defensive back for Sam Houston State University. His versatility became a hallmark of his professional career.[1] In his first two seasons in the NFL, he was primarily a punt return specialist. During his tenure with the Saints, he served as the third-string quarterback, holder for field goals and special teams player; with occasional time as a wide receiver, punter or safety. His penchant for being the emergency backup for all of the aforementioned positions earned him the reputation of a "jack of all trades".[2]
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.[3]
In 2007, the Houston Chronicle reported that Merkens was working as the general manager of a CarMax dealership in the city.[4]
References
- David Flores, "Edison graduate played with Saints during hard times", KENS, February 7, 2010.
- Don Pierson, "Eagle Subs Clobbered Already-by Ryan", Chicago Tribune, October 2, 1987.
- https://blogs.lcms.org/2012/guido-merkens-former-lcms-vice-president-dies
- Dale Robertson, "Remembering the Luv Ya Blue Oilers (w/video)", Houston Chronicle, December 10, 2007.