Ray Buchanan is a former American football cornerback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 12 seasons. He was born on September 13, 1971, in Chicago, Illinois, and attended Thornton Township High School in Harvey, Illinois. Buchanan played college football at Louisville, where he was a standout cornerback and return specialist.
Buchanan was selected by the Indianapolis Colts in the third round of the 1993 NFL Draft. He played for the Colts for four seasons, from 1993 to 1996, and established himself as one of the league's top cornerbacks. In 1996, he was named to the Pro Bowl and was a first-team All-Pro selection after recording six interceptions and 20 passes defensed.
In 1997, Buchanan signed with the Atlanta Falcons as a free agent. He played for the Falcons for six seasons, from 1997 to 2002, and was a key member of the team's defense during their run to Super Bowl XXXIII in 1998. Buchanan was known for his physical play and his ability to shut down opposing receivers. He was named to the Pro Bowl in 1998 and 1999 and was a second-team All-Pro selection in 1998.
After leaving the Falcons, Buchanan played for the Oakland Raiders for two seasons, from 2003 to 2004. He was primarily used as a nickelback and played in 29 games for the Raiders, recording two interceptions and 10 passes defensed.
Buchanan retired from the NFL after the 2004 season. Over the course of his career, he played in 167 games and recorded 47 interceptions, 10 forced fumbles, and 12 fumble recoveries. He was named to the Pro Bowl three times and was a first-team All-Pro selection once.
In addition to his success on the field, Buchanan was known for his flamboyant personality and his unique fashion sense. He was often seen wearing colorful suits and hats, and he once wore a helmet with a clear visor that had the words "shut up" written on it.
After retiring from the NFL, Buchanan worked as a sports analyst for various media outlets, including ESPN and the NFL Network. He also founded a youth football organization called the Ray Buchanan Foundation, which provides opportunities for underprivileged children to participate in organized sports.
Overall, Ray Buchanan was one of the NFL's top cornerbacks during his career. He was a fierce competitor who was known for his physical play and his ability to shut down opposing receivers. He was also a colorful personality who brought a unique flair to the game.
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