Ray Buchanan
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Ray Buchanan

Position:
Cornerback
Years:
1989-92

He endeared himself to all Louisville fans as “Big Play” Ray, but it was a career that almost wasn’t for Ray Buchanan.

Arriving as a wide receiver/ running back from Maywood, Ill., Buchanan initially balked at being moved to the defensive backfield, to the point of almost transferring. After some convincing by coach Howard Schnellenberger, Buchanan made the switch and left his mark on the U of L and NFL history books as a two-time collegiate All-American and NFL Pro Bowl selection.


Buchanan jumped on the scene as a sophomore in 1990, piling up 59 tackles and three interceptions in helping the Cardinals to the 1990 Sunkist Fiesta Bowl (including a key field goal block against Memphis to preserve the bowl bid). He then made his mark on the national stage as the Defensive MVP of the Fiesta Bowl with five tackles, a fumble recovery and a recovery of a blocked punt in the end zone as Louisville drilled Alabama 34-7.

As a junior in 1991, Buchanan was named a preseason Playboy All-American as he compiled 108 tackles and set the then-single season record for interceptions with eight picks.

Buchanan closed his U of L career with another stellar season as he compiled 95 tackles to go along with four interceptions and 10 pass breakups.

Drafted in the third round by the Indianapolis Colts, Buchanan embarked on a continuing stellar professional career where he is considered one of the top cornerbacks in the NFL.

Buchanan would help lead the Colts to the NFC Championship game in 1996 before being traded to the Atlanta Falcons. He then put together five consecutive seasons of five or more interceptions while helping lead the “Dirty Birds” to Super Bowl XXXIII in 1999.

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