Professional Football Player. For eight seasons (1965 to 1971, 1973), he played at the running back position in the American and National Football Leagues with the Boston/New England Patriots and New York Jets. Born James Solomon Nance, he attended Indiana High School and played collegiate football at Syracuse University. While with the Orangemen, Nance was an explosive fullback who was capable of big yardage gains. In addition, to football he was a two-time NCAA Wrestling Champion (1963 and 1965) and earned All-American honors. He was selected by Boston during the 19th round of the 1965 NFL Draft and during the course of his career led the AFL twice in rushing yardage (1966 with 1,458 and 1967 with 1,216) and touchdowns with 11 in 1966. He appeared on a December 1966 cover of Sports Illustrated, earned AFL Player of the Year honors that year and achieved All-Pro status twice (1966 and 1967). In 101 career regular season AFL and NFL games, he amassed 5,401 rushing yards with 45 touchdowns. Nance extended his playing career an additional two years in the World Football League. After retiring from football, his health declined as he suffered a stroke, a heart attack and sustained injuries from an automobile accident.
Professional Football Player. For eight seasons (1965 to 1971, 1973), he played at the running back position in the American and National Football Leagues with the Boston/New England Patriots and New York Jets. Born James Solomon Nance, he attended Indiana High School and played collegiate football at Syracuse University. While with the Orangemen, Nance was an explosive fullback who was capable of big yardage gains. In addition, to football he was a two-time NCAA Wrestling Champion (1963 and 1965) and earned All-American honors. He was selected by Boston during the 19th round of the 1965 NFL Draft and during the course of his career led the AFL twice in rushing yardage (1966 with 1,458 and 1967 with 1,216) and touchdowns with 11 in 1966. He appeared on a December 1966 cover of Sports Illustrated, earned AFL Player of the Year honors that year and achieved All-Pro status twice (1966 and 1967). In 101 career regular season AFL and NFL games, he amassed 5,401 rushing yards with 45 touchdowns. Nance extended his playing career an additional two years in the World Football League. After retiring from football, his health declined as he suffered a stroke, a heart attack and sustained injuries from an automobile accident.
Bio by: C.S.
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