Ray "Bob" Oldham, a former NFL cornerback who won a Super Bowl ring with the Pittsburgh Steelers, died on July 23. Cause of death was not released. He was 54.
Although he was short and rail thin, Oldham played on his high school football team for four years and earned a scholarship to Middle Tennessee State University. There he set the regional record for longest interception by making a 100-yard return in a game against Chattanooga. That 1970 record still stands. Two years later, Oldham was named a runner-up to Jim Youngblood for Ohio Valley Conference defensive player of the year.
An eighth round draft pick, Oldham played for the Baltimore Colts from 1973 to 1977. He spent the 1978 season with Pittsburgh as a member of the "Steel Curtain Defense," and won a Super Bowl ring when the Steelers beat the Dallas Cowboys 35-31.
Oldham was traded to the New York Giants for one season, then finished his 10-year professional football career playing three seasons with the Detroit Lions. The 6-foot, 193-pound defensive back started 62 games and made 14 interceptions in the NFL, including two returned for touchdowns.
Since his retirement, Oldham has run a stock brokerage firm and an upscale dry cleaning/laundry franchise, and worked as a motivational speaker. He was inducted into the Middle Tennessee State University Blue Raider Hall of Fame in 1983 and into the Pittsburg Hall of Fame in 2004. Oldham was training for a 40-mile bicycle marathon when he died.
• Watch Oldham (#23) Make an Interception, Touchdown
Posted on August 1, 2005 7:02 AMI have know Ray since childhood and we use to play together as kids, he was one hell of a competative athelete, and one great guy, we will all miss him
Posted by Tom Kirkham on August 18, 2005 10:50 PMI went to high school with Ray Oldham. He went to MTSU one year before me. I was at MTSU for one semester as a student trainer. Ray and I were friends even though I had not seen him in over 35 years. He was very competitive. On a college team back then equipment managers and student trainers were not always treated well by some of the players. Ray…and a few others always looked out for me. Ray always thanked me for my contribution as a student trainer and equipment manager while at Gallatin High also. I have spent half my life working out of the states and always wanted to look up Ray and just say hello. I was sorry to read of his passing.
Posted by Randy on January 5, 2006 12:19 AMMr. Oldham was a very popular sports figure in my hometown in Tennessee. Especially when I was a teenager in High School, and loved football and the Colts. I did not know him personally, however, he was the featured speaker at Polk County High School for our Annual Sports Banquet in 1976. I was a Cheerleader, and managed to inspire my Father and brothers to love football also. In part, due to the enthusiasm and message of Mr. Oldham at that event. As a result, my younger brother played football throughout his middle and high school years. Mr. Oldham had a big part in my interest in professional sports, and is well remembered. After 20 years, I still have a copy of the Banquet Program with his signature on the back page among my treasured memorabilia from my very impressionable high school years.
Posted by Arlene on September 13, 2006 10:32 PMAlthough it has been almost 2 years since Ray's passing the children and I miss him everyday. He was loving and kind to everyone. There is no better example of a good father than Ray. His presence is felt often. I know we will all be reunited in eternal life, what a great day that will be. We love and miss you Ray.
Always,
Rhonda