Guy Ruff

Guy Moroney Ruff (born August 18, 1960) is an American former professional football linebacker who played for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Syracuse Orange. During the 1982 NFL season, he scored what was believed to be the quickest touchdown to ever open an NFL postseason game, occurring only 12 seconds into the game.

Early life Guy Moroney Ruff was born on August 18, 1960, in Ravenna, Ohio. As a senior in 1977, he rushed 121 times for 703 yards on offense while recording four sacks, two blocked kicks, and one fumble recovery as a linebacker on defense. He earned All-Portage County honors at running back for his performance during the 1977 season. He was listed as a defensive end/linebacker during his freshman season of 1978. In September 1979, Ruff was first-team on the Thousand Oaks Stars 1979 college football all-name team. He became a starting linebacker during the middle of the 1979 season due to injuries. Ruff was on the roster in 1980 but did not earn a letter. Overall, he was a varsity letterman in 1978, 1979, and 1981. He was a starting linebacker for a portion of his 1981 senior season. He played in all 11 games in 1981, despite having a bruised shoulder at one point, posting 20 solo tackles, 28 assisted tackles, and one interception.

Professional career After going undrafted in the 1982 NFL draft, Ruff signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers on May 5. On December 24, 1982, he was activated off of injured reserve, taking the roster spot of Sidney Thornton. He also appeared in the Steelers' playoff loss against the San Diego Chargers on January 9, 1983, and recovered the opening kickoff in the end zone for a touchdown after it was fumbled by San Diego's James Brooks. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported that it was believed to be the quickest touchdown to ever open an NFL postseason game, occurring only 12 seconds into the game. It is not clear if he played in any games for the Blitz. He was released on June 17 before the start of the 1985 CFL season. As of 2023, he was a vice president in the Hanes division of Leggett & Platt. Ruff and his wife adopted a son.