A man whose football résumé is elite and whose mustache deserves its own Hall of Fame plaque
Landing at No. 7 in the Top Ten All‑Time SoCon Mustaches, Paul Maguire’s ranking reflects durability, recognition, and pure staying power. His mustache was never trendy or carefully sculpted. Instead, it was big, bushy, and stubbornly unchanged, much like the man himself. Over time, it became a visual trademark that felt as permanent as the telestrator lines he loved to rewind.
The Mustache: A Look Frozen in Time
Paul Maguire’s mustache projected an unbothered confidence. Large, thick, and slightly unkempt, it looked as if grooming became optional somewhere in the mid‑1970s—and was never reconsidered. By the time Maguire became a fixture on NFL broadcasts, the mustache had fully cemented itself as part of his identity.
During his years with ESPN from 1998 to 2008, the mustache remained consistent—bushy, immovable, and instantly recognizable. In an industry where appearances evolved with every era, Maguire’s facial hair stood firm, giving him a throwback presence that perfectly matched his storytelling style.
SoCon Beginnings: The Citadel Standout
Before the mustache reached legendary status, Paul Maguire made his name at The Citadel, where he played from 1956 to 1959. A tight end and punter for the Bulldogs, Maguire was one of the most productive players in school history and a dominant force in the Southern Conference.
He led The Citadel in receiving yards during all four of his seasons and served as the team’s top punter for his final three years. His senior campaign in 1959 remains his masterpiece. Maguire powered the Bulldogs to an 8–2 overall record and a 5–1 mark in SoCon play, firmly placing them among the league’s best.
That season, he recorded 32 catches for 549 yards and a national‑best 10 touchdowns, earning 1959 SoCon Player of the Year honors along with third‑team Associated Press All‑America recognition. He also led the conference in punting, averaging a then‑school‑record 42.8 yards per attempt.
Maguire concluded his Citadel career with 76 receptions for 1,524 yards and 13 touchdowns, averaging an impressive 20.1 yards per catch. His career punting average of 40.2 yards further underscored his all‑around impact.
Professional Career: AFL Fixture and Champion
Paul Maguire’s professional résumé is often overshadowed by his broadcasting fame, but it deserves its own spotlight. He was one of just 20 players to spend the entire 10‑year lifespan of the American Football League with AFL teams.
Drafted by the Los Angeles Chargers in the 1960 AFL Draft, Maguire spent four seasons in Southern California, helping the Chargers secure the 1963 AFL championship. He later joined the Buffalo Bills in 1964 and played key roles in their back‑to‑back AFL titles in 1964 and 1965.
Primarily a punter and reserve linebacker, Maguire appeared in six AFL championship games. He was a two‑time AFL All‑Star, led the league in punting three times, and averaged 41.7 yards per punt over his career. On defense, he added nine interceptions, quietly reinforcing his versatility.
Broadcasting: Insight, Replays, and the Mustache on TV
After football, Maguire transitioned into broadcasting, embarking on a long career with NBC and ESPN. By the mid‑1990s, he had earned a spot on NBC’s top NFL broadcast team, respected for his knowledge and perspective.
His style drew mixed but memorable reviews. Supporters praised his insight, self‑deprecating humor, and love of storytelling, often rooted in football’s past. Critics noted his softer voice, reluctance to be harshly critical, and his fondness for slow‑motion replays.
Many fans still remember his trademark setup: “I want you to watch this right here—watch this—here it comes—BAM! Right there!” Through it all, the mustache remained unchanged, anchoring his on‑screen presence.
Why He Sits at No. 7
In the SoCon mustache top ten countdown, Paul Maguire claims the No. 7 spot because his mustache was more than a style choice—it was an extension of his identity. It endured across eras, careers, and mediums, becoming inseparable from his football legacy and broadcasting persona.
The Point After
At No. 7, Paul Maguire represents the perfect blend of accomplishment and character. From dominating the Southern Conference at The Citadel to winning AFL championships and spending decades behind the microphone, his résumé is undeniable. Add in a mustache that refused to change with the times, and you have a worthy entry in this countdown. As the series continues toward No. 1, Maguire stands as proof that sometimes the best mustaches are the ones that simply never go away.
