[3] One writer in 1930 said Vance Maree and Frank Speer had the reputation as "the toughest pair of tackles in the south.

[5] Speer once lost in a wrestling match with Bronko Nagurski due to a kneeing foul.

[6] In another wrestling match, he caused former World Heavyweight Champion Jack Dempsey, who was officiating the contest, to knock him out.

[7] On June 1, 1938, Speer became ill but still participated in a wrestling match with Dorv Roche at Atlanta's Warren Arena.

[8] Following the match, he developed a fever and was taken to a hospital, where he died June 10 of bronchial pneumonia.