A. B. Whitfield, Jr. (born September 2, 1943) is a former American football running back in the National Football League for the Dallas Cowboys and Washington Redskins. He played college football at the University of North Texas.
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| Position: | Running back | ||||||||
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| Born: | September 2, 1943 Rosebud, Texas, U.S. | ||||||||
| Height: | 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) | ||||||||
| Weight: | 200 lb (91 kg) | ||||||||
| Career information | |||||||||
| High school: | Wilson White (TX) | ||||||||
| College: | North Texas | ||||||||
| Undrafted: | 1965 | ||||||||
| Career history | |||||||||
| Career highlights and awards | |||||||||
| Career NFL statistics | |||||||||
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Early years
editWhitfield attended Wilson White High School, where he started playing high school football as a sophomore. He moved on to North Texas State University where he played halfback and fullback.
As a sophomore, he had 2 scores in eight seconds to help upset West Texas State University. As a senior, he posted 592 rushing yards (led the conference) and 2 touchdowns. He finished his college career with 936 rushing yards, 142 receiving yards and 8 touchdowns.
Professional career
editDallas Cowboys
editWhitfield was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Dallas Cowboys after the 1965 NFL draft.[1] He spent most of his rookie year in the team's taxi squad, before being waived in 1966.
Washington Redskins
editThe Washington Redskins claimed him off waivers on July 29, 1966.[2] His best game came against the New York Giants, when both teams set the NFL record for most combined points (113) in a game, on November 27. Fourteen different players scored, with Whitfield accounting for two rushing touchdowns and one by reception.[3]
Although he was mostly used as a change of pace running back, he led the Redskins in rushing in 1966 (472 yards) and in 1967 (384 yards). On September 16, 1969, he was cut and later signed to the taxi squad. He was waived on November 6.[4]
BC Lions (CFL)
editIn 1970, he signed with the BC Lions of the Canadian Football League (CFL) and was second in team rushing with 754 yards.[5]
Denver Broncos
editOn August 2, 1971, he was signed by the Denver Broncos. Even though he was the second leading rusher in preseason behind Floyd Little, he was released on September 16.
Florida Blazers (WFL)
editAfter being out of football for three years, he signed with the Florida Blazers of the World Football League (WFL) in 1974 and finished with 202 rushing yards.[6]
Personal life
editWhitfield worked for New York Life Insurance until his retirement. A. B. Worked at Satellite West Jr. High School in Brooklyn, NY from 1978 to 1982 as a gym teacher.
References
edit- ^ "Dallas Cowboys Counting Heavily On Don Meredith". Retrieved February 19, 2023.
- ^ "Four Colts Ink Contracts". Retrieved February 19, 2023.
- ^ "Highest Scoring Game". Retrieved February 19, 2023.
- ^ "Redskins Sign Chuck Mercein". Retrieved February 19, 2023.
- ^ "Lions Pull Out Win Over Blue Bombers". Retrieved February 19, 2023.
- ^ "Americans host top Eastern Division grid team tonight". Retrieved February 19, 2023.