Professional Football Player. Born Melvin Thomas Runnels, his athletic accomplishments could be traced back to his high school years, when he was a standout player at North Side (Texas). He continued to excel while attending North Texas State College (now the University of North Texas) and under coach Odus Mitchell, he was a contributor to two Gulf Coast Conference Championships (1955 and 1956) and earned All-Gulf Coast Conference status. Selected by the Los Angeles Rams during the 14th round of the 1956 NFL Draft, he was signed by Washington with whom he served as a left-halfback and both a kickoff/punt returner. He appeared in 21 NFL games with the Redskins (1956 to 1957). Following his playing career, Runnels coached at the high school level and returned to the collegiate ranks at Texas Christian University. He later worked in the construction industry. He was inducted into the University of North Texas Athletics Hall of Fame in 1991.
Professional Football Player. Born Melvin Thomas Runnels, his athletic accomplishments could be traced back to his high school years, when he was a standout player at North Side (Texas). He continued to excel while attending North Texas State College (now the University of North Texas) and under coach Odus Mitchell, he was a contributor to two Gulf Coast Conference Championships (1955 and 1956) and earned All-Gulf Coast Conference status. Selected by the Los Angeles Rams during the 14th round of the 1956 NFL Draft, he was signed by Washington with whom he served as a left-halfback and both a kickoff/punt returner. He appeared in 21 NFL games with the Redskins (1956 to 1957). Following his playing career, Runnels coached at the high school level and returned to the collegiate ranks at Texas Christian University. He later worked in the construction industry. He was inducted into the University of North Texas Athletics Hall of Fame in 1991.
Bio by: C.S.
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