Pat Studstill obit

Patrick “Pat” Lewis Studstill Jr. has died

 

He was not on the list. 

Patrick "Pat" Lewis Studstill Jr., 83, passed away October 16, 2021 in the comfort of his Los Angeles home. He was born on June 4, 1938, in Shreveport, Louisiana.

Known as one of the best NFL punters, kick returners, and receivers of his time, Pat started his football career at the University of Houston. His versatility as a player helped him set NFL records for both punting and receiving, including five consecutive games with at least 125 receiving yards. During his extensive career, he played for the Detroit Lions, Los Angeles Rams, and New England Patriots.

He played in the 1956 season for then young starting coach Lee Hedges at C. E. Byrd High School in Shreveport. Studstill's best year was 1966, when he was second in the NFL with 67 receptions and led the League with 1266 receiving yards. One of his five touchdowns went for 99 yards, making him, at the time, the third player to accomplish this feat and the first to accomplish it while not wearing a Redskins uniform. Since then, eight other players have accomplished the same feat. In 1966, he had 5 consecutive games with 125+ pass yards, which had since been tied by Calvin Johnson.

He is remembered for having been the last player not to wear a Riddell facemask.

Following his retirement from the NFL, Pat served as Technical Advisor for the 1974 film, "The Longest Yard," and utilized his expertise to assemble and organize the football team for the production. Soon thereafter, he shifted his focus to move in front of the camera and achieved success as an actor, starring in over 200 commercials, performing both on-camera and voiceover roles; he was also featured in several television shows and movies.

Pat never met a stranger, and his sense of humor was unmatched. He loved his days on the golf course and cherished spending time with his beloved wife, Rita, and many rescue dogs.

He is survived by his wife, Rita Vennari Studstill; son, Pat Studstill III; daughters, Lisa and Shannon Studstill; grandchildren, Nicholas Bear, Amelie and Lucas Alverez; and sister, Eva Jane Worsham. He was preceded in death by his father and mother.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the charity of your choice. Pat was especially inspired by food banks, animal rescues, and Earth conservancy initiatives.

Actor (12 credits)

 1986-1987 1st & Ten (TV Series)

Dixon Boyd

- The Big One (1987) ... Dixon Boyd

- Easy Come, Easy Go (1987) ... Dixon Boyd

- Yinessa's Interview (1986) ... Dixon Boyd

 1986 The Longshot

Jail Cop

 1985 This Wife for Hire (TV Movie)

Security Guard

 1981-1985 The Dukes of Hazzard (TV Series)

Barclay / Floyd

- When You Wish Upon a Hogg (1985) ... Barclay

- The Revenge of Hughie Hogg (1982) ... Barclay

- Hughie Hogg Strikes Again (1981) ... Barclay

- The Return of Hughie Hogg (1981) ... Floyd

 1982 Magnum, P.I. (TV Series)

Floyd Bryce

- Past Tense (1982) ... Floyd Bryce

 1982 Money on the Side (TV Movie)

Cowboy

 1982 Pigs vs. Freaks (TV Movie)

Mad Dog Osloff

 1981 The Killing of Randy Webster (TV Movie)

Driver

 1979 B.J. and the Bear (TV Series)

1st Officer

- Silent Night, Unholy Night (1979) ... 1st Officer

 1979 Carter Country (TV Series)

- The Prisoner of Clinton Corners (1979)

 1978 The Incredible Hulk (TV Series)

Kermit Connelly

- Killer Instinct (1978) ... Kermit Connelly

 1968 Paper Lion

Pat Studstill

Hide Hide Stunts (2 credits)

 1974 The Longest Yard (stunts - uncredited)

 1970 Too Late the Hero (stunt double - uncredited)