Randolph was born on July 17, 1955, in New York City.[1] He is the brother of Major League Baseball (MLB) player Willie Randolph.[2][3] The two brothers played baseball growing up and Terry said that Willie "was always better than me."[2] He noted that he "wasn't a good hitter" and quit the sport in favor of track and field; then he switched to football.[2] The two Randolphs attended Samuel J. Tilden High School in Brooklyn, New York; Terry was a quarterback in football and was teammates with his brother for one year, although Willie focused on baseball.[2] Terry Randolph is one of six Samuel J. Tilden alumni to play in the NFL.[4]
College career
Randolph began attending American International College in 1973 and was a four-year starter in football.[5][6] He is one of only eight players in the school's history to play in the NFL.[7] From 1973 to 1975, Randolph played as a safety, earning All-New England honors.[2][6] His position was changed to running back as a senior in 1976 and he earned All-New England honors after running for over 900 yards; he led New England in rushing, scoring and in kick return yards while also seeing time at return specialist.[6] Randolph was named the 1978 President's Cup winner as the top senior athlete at American International.[6]
Professional career
Randolph was selected in the 11th round (290th overall) of the 1977 NFL Draft by the Green Bay Packers, being their final selection the draft.[8] He was converted to cornerback, a position he had never played before, upon joining the team.[2] Despite facing an "uphill battle" due to his low draft selection and new position, Randolph was able to make the final roster.[2] He made his NFL debut against the New Orleans Saints in week 1 and went on to appear in every game for the Packers over the 1977 season, mainly being used as a special teams player as the Packers went 4–10.[2][9][10]
Randolph was released on August 22, 1978.[11] As the 1978 season progressed, he had tryouts with the New York Jets, New England Patriots and New York Giants, but went unsigned by each.[12][13] He was later signed by the Jets in May 1979.[14] He was waived/injured by the Jets on August 21 that year.[15] They were the last team of his career.[13]
Later life
Randolph was inducted into the American International Athletics Hall of Fame in 2013.[6]