Don Bishop

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Don Bishop
No. 85, 45, 28, 44
Position:
Jefferson (CA)
College:LA City College
Undrafted:1958
Career history
Career highlights and awards
Career NFL statistics
Games played:96
Games started:60
Interceptions:22
Player stats at NFL.com · PFR

Donald William Bishop (July 1, 1934 – November 13, 1998) was an American football cornerback in the National Football League (NFL) for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Chicago Bears and Dallas Cowboys. He played college football at Los Angeles City College.

Early years

Bishop was born on July 1, 1934, in

Jefferson High School, where he competed in football and baseball
.

He enrolled at Los Angeles City College, where he was a two-way End.[1]

In 1953, he received All-Western State Conference honors.[2] He spent two years out of football while serving his military service.

He returned in 1957 and was named the starter a left end.

All-American honors.[4][5]

Professional career

Pittsburgh Steelers

Bishop was signed as an

1958 NFL Draft on January 29.[6] He was tried at split end and as a halfback, catching only 3 passes in his rookie season. In his second year, he was used at defensive halfback and punt returner, but was released after 2 games on October 12, because of poor performances.[7]

Chicago Bears

The Chicago Bears claimed him off waivers during the 1959 season, but played him in only one game.[8]

Dallas Cowboys

On September 6, 1960, the expansion Dallas Cowboys claimed him off waivers. Bishop was switched to cornerback and during the Cowboys' 1960 inaugural year, he became the franchise first starting right cornerback, registering 71 tackles, 13 passes defensed and 3 interceptions in a 12-game season, tying him with Tom Franckhauser for the team lead.[9]

In

All-NFL
team.

In 1962, he had 6 interceptions and also scored his lone career touchdown, returning an interception 84 yards in a loss to the Los Angeles Rams. After missing the Pro Bowl the previous season, Bishop was one of the first Cowboys players ever to receive this honor.[11] In the Pro Bowl, he recovered an Abe Woodson kickoff fumble, returning it 20 yards untouched for the final score in a 30-20 win.[12]

In 1963, he recorded 5 interceptions, making him the Cowboys leader in interceptions during their first four years of existence. He suffered a knee injury in the sixth game against the New York Giants.[13]

The knee injury forced him to have surgery before the 1964 season, which would limit him the rest of his career. He started 7 games at right cornerback, while alternating with Warren Livingston.

In 1965, he was a backup behind Livingston. He retired at the end of the 1966 season.[14]

Bishop played 9 seasons in the

NFL, leaving as the Cowboys career interceptions leader. His 22 interceptions rank eleventh on the current franchise career interceptions
list. Although he played on some of the Cowboys worst teams, he became one of their original defensive stars.

Personal life

Bishop at one point worked as a morticians' assistant during the off-season.

References

  1. ^ Lane, Mark (October 16, 2021). "Memory Lane: How Trevon Diggs evoked recollection of forgotten Cowboys DB". WFAA. Retrieved February 19, 2023.
  2. ^ "Four Bulldogs Are on All-League 11". The Bakersfield Californian. December 10, 1953. p. 35.
  3. ^ "Pritko Faces Uncertain Year With LACC Grids". Los Angeles Citizen-News. September 5, 1957. p. 16.
  4. ^ "Nelson Wins All-WSC Spot". The Van Nuys News. December 5, 1957. p. 16-C.
  5. ^ "22 Man Team Is Announced By Juco Board". The Idaho Statesman. December 12, 1957. p. 31.
  6. ^ "LACC End Signs Steeler Contract". Los Angeles Times. January 30, 1958. p. 6.
  7. ^ "Steelers' Parker Fires Sophomore Back Bishop". Retrieved February 19, 2023.
  8. ^ "Steelers Sign Hall to Replace Bishop". Archived from the original on May 10, 2020. Retrieved February 19, 2023.
  9. ^ "'Solid Nucleus' Spurs High Hopes In Dallas". Retrieved February 19, 2023.
  10. ^ "How Cowboys cornerback Trevon Diggs' game, name growing quickly". Retrieved February 19, 2023.
  11. ^ "Eight Giants Are Named To East All-Stars". Retrieved February 19, 2023.
  12. ^ "Sherman happy as East upsets West in Pro Bowl". Bend Bulletin. (Oregon). UPI. January 14, 1963. p. 2. Retrieved February 19, 2023.
  13. ^ "Tom Landry Encouraged". Retrieved February 19, 2023.
  14. ^ "Dallas Cowboys vs. New York Giants". Grand Prairie Daily News. December 16, 1966. p. 5.

External links

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