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Tom Curtis

Safety

Inducted 2005

Date of Birth

11/1/1947

Birthplace

Cleveland, OH

School

University of Michigan (1967-1969)

Bio

When it came to thwarting opposition drives, few defensive backs did it as well as Michigan safety Tom Curtis. With 25 interceptions, he closed his career second on college football’s all-time interception list, and first in interception return yardage. Curtis came to Michigan as a high school quarterback who was switched to defense after his freshman season. The move proved to be an immediate success as Curtis picked-off a Big Ten leading seven passes in his sophomore season. The following year his interception total of ten led the nation. His play earned him selection to the all-conference team and second-team All-America status. As a senior, Curtis played for first-year coach Bo Schembechler. The Wolverines tied for the Big Ten championship and ended defending national champion Ohio State's 22-game win streak. In the win over the Buckeyes, he had the final two interceptions of his career, bringing his total to eight for the season. Curtis played professionally for the Baltimore Colts for two seasons, participating in Super Bowl V during his rookie season.