Professional Football Player. He played 11 seasons as a tight end (#86) for the Atlanta Falcons from 1969-79, being named to the Pro Bowl following the 1969 and 1972 seasons. Previously, he had starred for Shelbyville's Harris High School and Prairie View A&M in Texas. In eleven NFL seasons, he played in 155 games, had 305 receptions for 4,545 yards and scored 29 touchdowns. After retirement from the Falcons, he coached at Morehouse and Morris Brown colleges in Georgia before returning to Shelbyville, where he served as a volunteer assistant coach for the Central High and Liberty School football teams. He volunteered his time and skills to the youth football programs in Bedford County and held annual football camps to foster the spirit and talents of young folks. He suffered from diabetes complications and glaucoma eventually causing blindness. He died from a heart attack at his Shelbyville home. He has been formally recognized, on a State of Tennessee Historical Marker, highlighting his contributions to Harris High School as a star athlete and his local Shelbyville Community.
Professional Football Player. He played 11 seasons as a tight end (#86) for the Atlanta Falcons from 1969-79, being named to the Pro Bowl following the 1969 and 1972 seasons. Previously, he had starred for Shelbyville's Harris High School and Prairie View A&M in Texas. In eleven NFL seasons, he played in 155 games, had 305 receptions for 4,545 yards and scored 29 touchdowns. After retirement from the Falcons, he coached at Morehouse and Morris Brown colleges in Georgia before returning to Shelbyville, where he served as a volunteer assistant coach for the Central High and Liberty School football teams. He volunteered his time and skills to the youth football programs in Bedford County and held annual football camps to foster the spirit and talents of young folks. He suffered from diabetes complications and glaucoma eventually causing blindness. He died from a heart attack at his Shelbyville home. He has been formally recognized, on a State of Tennessee Historical Marker, highlighting his contributions to Harris High School as a star athlete and his local Shelbyville Community.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
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