Peter Garrett Athas was an American football cornerback who played six seasons in the National Football League for the New York Giants, Cleveland Browns, Minnesota Vikings and the New Orleans Saints.
13 Facts About Pete Athas
1.
2.
Pete Athas played college football at the University of Tennessee.
3.
In 1968, Pete Athas was signed by the Orlando Panthers of the Continental Football League.
4.
Pete Athas was named the starter at cornerback, receiving All-Star honors after leading the league with a record 10 interceptions.
5.
Pete Athas was waived before the start of the season.
6.
Pete Athas signed with the Norfolk Neptunes of the Atlantic Coast Football League for their 1970 season.
7.
Pete Athas was signed as a free agent by the New York Giants in 1971, reuniting with defensive coordinator Jim Garrett, who was his head coach with the Orlando Panthers.
8.
Pete Athas earned a starting role as a cornerback and a punt returner.
9.
Pete Athas tied for the team lead in interceptions in 1972 and led the team with 5 interceptions the next year.
10.
Pete Athas signed with the Minnesota Vikings after his release and was used as a reserve cornerback.
11.
Pete Athas was cut before the start of the 1976 season.
12.
Pete Athas finished with the second most punt returns in team history at the time.
13.
Pete Athas resided in Miami, Florida, until his death from lymphoma on June 28,2015.