When Tom Mullady arrived for pre-season football practice in August 1975, all the returning Lynx were excited about their new 6’3”, 220 pound teammate. They thought he was an offensive tackle. Little did they know that their new teammate would one day be a starting tight end in the National Football League, catching passes on CBS television.
Tom Mullady defined the position of tight end for Rhodes football. Along with teammates Craig Solomon, R. J. Harper and Jerry Hampton, the 1977 and 1978 Lynx had one of the most productive offenses in the nation. Tom’s thirteen receptions and 267 yards receiving against Rose-Hulman in 1978 rank as single game Rhodes records. In his 50 receptions (5.5 per game) ranked him as the top receiving tight end in the country. He was named All College Athletic Conference in 1976, 1977 and 1978.
Tom was drafted in the seventh round by the Buffalo Bills in the 1979 National Football League draft. After joining the New York Giants midway through the 1979 season, he went on to play six seasons in the National Football League.
Today, Tom is a Senior Advisor – International Assignment, with FedEx. He remains close to his alma mater and to the Lynx varsity football team through frequent appearances as a speaker for the Rhodes chapter of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
In recognition of one whose life is an inspiring example to all Rhodes athletes, we are honored to induct THOMAS FRANCIS MULLADY into the Rhodes Athletic Hall of Fame this 20th day of October, 2000.
