Speedy Duncan

American football player (1942–2021)

Leslie Herbert "Speedy" Duncan (August 10, 1942 – December 9, 2021) was an American professional football cornerback and return specialist who played in the American Football League (AFL) and National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Jackson State University. Duncan played seven seasons with the San Diego Chargers, where he was a three time AFL All Star. He was also named to the Pro Bowl with the Washington Redskins. Duncan was inducted into the Chargers Hall of Fame and was named to their 40th and 50th anniversary teams.

Duncan was a standout player at Druid High School in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. He attended Jackson State University, where he played for the Tigers. Undrafted, he played with the AFL San Diego Chargers from 1964 through 1969, and the NFL Chargers in 1970 and Washington Redskins from 1971 through 1974. He was an AFL All Star in 1965, 1966, and 1967 and an AFC NFC Pro Bowler in 1971. As a rookie with the Chargers in 1964, Duncan played just a little on defense at safety before becoming a starter at cornerback the following year in 1965 in place of an injured Dick Westmoreland. Playing in Washington under coach George Allen, Duncan became a nickelback, backing up Pat Fischer and Mike Bass, while also returning punts and kickoffs. He led the NFL in punt return average at 10.6 yards per return in 1971. In 1974, he was solely a returner, playing in just two games. On December 9, 2021, Duncan died at the age of 79.