Georgia Two-Sport Star, Top-5 MLB Draft Pick, Dies at 68

Jeff Pyburn, a standout quarterback and outfielder for the University of Georgia, passed away on March 29.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 9:48pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a football player in motion alongside a baseball player swinging a bat, representing the two-sport talents of Jeff Pyburn.The vibrant, multifaceted athletic career of Georgia legend Jeff Pyburn is captured in a cubist-inspired illustration.Athens Today

Jeff Pyburn, a two-sport star at the University of Georgia who was the highest MLB draft pick in Bulldogs history, died at the age of 68 on March 29. Pyburn was a standout quarterback and outfielder for Georgia in the late 1970s, leading the football team's run-first offense and hitting .400 with 15 home runs and 66 RBIs in his final college baseball season. He was drafted 5th overall by the San Diego Padres in 1980 and played in their minor league system for three years before a career-ending knee injury ended his professional sports career.

Why it matters

Pyburn's passing is a tragic loss for the University of Georgia and the broader college sports community. As a two-sport star who became the highest MLB draft pick in Bulldogs history, Pyburn represented the pinnacle of athletic achievement at the collegiate level. His story highlights the challenges and risks that elite student-athletes face in balancing multiple sports and transitioning to professional careers.

The details

After a standout high school career, Pyburn arrived at Georgia as a Parade All-American quarterback and quickly became the starting QB for the Bulldogs' run-first offense, showcasing his resilience and leadership. In addition to his prowess on the gridiron, Pyburn was an All-SEC outfielder who hit .400 with 15 home runs and 66 RBIs in his final college baseball season. He was selected 5th overall by the San Diego Padres in the 1980 MLB Draft, but his professional baseball career was cut short by a career-ending knee injury in 1983 after reaching Triple-A. Pyburn then went on to have a successful 40-year career as a trial attorney.

  • Jeff Pyburn died on March 29, 2026.
  • Pyburn was drafted 5th overall by the San Diego Padres in the 1980 MLB Draft.
  • Pyburn's professional baseball career ended in 1983 after a career-ending knee injury.

The players

Jeff Pyburn

A two-sport standout at the University of Georgia who became the highest MLB draft pick in Bulldogs history, playing quarterback and outfielder. He was drafted 5th overall by the San Diego Padres in 1980 but his professional career was cut short by a career-ending knee injury in 1983.

Jim Pyburn

Jeff Pyburn's father, who played three seasons for the Baltimore Orioles and was an accomplished football player at Auburn University before that.

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What they’re saying

“This is sad news. He was my cousin, once removed. Prayers for the family. Died too young. More importantly, he was a DGD.”

— Gabriel Sterling

“There were 23 Parade All-Americans from Georgia in the 1970s, when I grew up. Sad to report that two of them – Jeff Pyburn (Cedar Shoals) and Joey Browner (Southwest Atlanta) – passed away in recent days. Pyburn was as good a 2-sport athlete as there was in those days (starting…”

— GHSF Daily

What’s next

The University of Georgia is expected to hold a memorial service to honor Jeff Pyburn's legacy as a two-sport star and beloved Bulldog.

The takeaway

Jeff Pyburn's tragic passing at the age of 68 serves as a poignant reminder of the risks and challenges faced by elite student-athletes who excel in multiple sports. His story highlights the fleeting nature of athletic careers and the importance of preparing for life after sports, as Pyburn did by earning a law degree and having a successful 40-year career as a trial attorney.