Norman Lamont Hand (September 4, 1972 – May 14, 2010) ^[1] was an American football defensive tackle in the National Football League (NFL). He was drafted in the fifth round of the 1995 NFL Draft. ^[2] He last played with the New York Giants in 2004. He also played with the Seattle Seahawks, the New Orleans Saints, the San Diego Chargers and the Miami Dolphins. With the Saints, Hand was part of a defensive line nicknamed "The Heavy Lunch Bunch", along with fellow 325-pounders Martin Chase and Grady Jackson. Hand was noted for his "Big Wiggle" celebration dance, ^[3] and in 2000 he was part of the team that won the Saints' first playoff game. ^[4]

High school career

At Walterboro High School in Walterboro, South Carolina, Hand earned three letters in football, and also played baseball. As a senior, he was an honorable mention All-America selection by Parade and USA Today, and was the South Carolina High School Defensive Lineman of the Year. As a junior tight end, he caught 25 passes for 526 yards (21.04 yards per reception average).

College career

At Itawamba Junior College in Mississippi, he finished his two-year career with 18 sacks, 135 tackles, 33 tackles for loss, four forced fumbles, and three fumble recoveries.

Norman Hand was a two-year starter at the University of Mississippi after transferring from Itawamba Junior College. As a senior, he posted 3.5 sacks, 61 tackles (three for losses), one interception, and one fumble recovery, and was a second-team All- SEC selection.

Death

Hand died on May 14, 2010, from hypertensive heart disease, ^[5] after collapsing at his house in Walterboro. ^[6]

References