Larry Whigham

Larry Jerome Whigham (born June 23, 1972) is an American former professional football player who was a safety for nine seasons with the New England Patriots and Chicago Bears of the National Football League (NFL).

Whigham played college football for the Louisiana–Monroe Warhawks and was selected by the Seattle Seahawks in the fourth round (110th overall) of the 1994 NFL draft.^[1] He was known for his enthusiasm on the field and excelled in special teams play. He made the Pro Bowl twice as a special teams player, once with New England and once with Chicago.

In January 1997 he earned AFC Special Teams Player of the Week in the AFC Championship Game against Jacksonville when he tackled Jaguar punter Bryan Barker on his own four-yard line, which resulted in a touchdown for the Patriots a few plays later.

On September 21, 1997, Whigham picked up 2 sacks against Rick Mirer and the Chicago Bears.^[2]

While Whigham gained attention playing mostly special teams (he started only six games), he intercepted four passes during his career, three of which were against the NFL's all-time leading passer, Dan Marino. He intercepted two Marino passes versus Miami on November 23, 1997, including one he returned 60 yards for a touchdown, and finished the game with a season-high four tackles to earn Player of the Game honors.

He is married to Kenyatta Whigham and now resides in Houston, Texas.