Jack Reynolds came to the University of Tennessee as a hard-charging fullback out of Cincinnati and became a starting linebacker in the second game of his sophomore year in 1967. From that point on, Reynolds was a mainstay for the Vols as middle linebacker. He teamed with Steve Kiner to give UT a pair of linebackers without equal in their day. Reynolds anchored the defense in the middle, freeing Kiner to make plays on the outside. When the Vols were rallying late in the 1968 Orange Bowl, Reynolds stopped Oklahoma’s Steve Owens short on fourth-and-one near midfield, giving the Vols one last chance to pull out a victory. Known as “Hacksaw” during his playing days, the nickname was taken from his dismantling of a favorite truck after one of the infrequent Tennessee losses during his Vol career. An All-SEC and All-America selection in his senior season, Reynolds was a first-round draft choice of the Los Angeles Rams in 1970. He played for the Rams from 1970 to 1980 and for the San Francisco 49ers from 1981 to 1984. Reynolds played in three Super Bowls, one as a Ram and in two victories as a 49er. Known as a tough player, Reynolds always played the game with intensity. He was named to the “100 Years of Volunteers” all-time Team, chosen in 1990. Jack Reynold’s lively spirit and fierce competitive nature will always be fondly remembered by football fans the world over.
