Willie Shelby
No. 30 | |
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Position: | Kick returner |
Personal information | |
Born: | Hattiesburg, Mississippi, U.S. | July 24, 1953
Height: | 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m) |
Weight: | 195 lb (88 kg) |
Career information | |
High school: | Purvis (MS) |
College: | Alabama |
NFL draft: | 1976 / Round: 5 / Pick: 138 |
Career history | |
Career highlights and awards | |
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Player stats at PFR |
Willie Earl Shelby (born July 24, 1953) is a former
College career
Shelby played college football for the Alabama Crimson Tide in 1973, 1974 and 1975.[1] He served primarily as a kick returner in 1973, but became the starting halfback as a junior in 1974.[2] He ran 84 times in 19974 for 541 yards, a 6.4 average.[1] One of his best games came on October 5 against the University of Mississippi, when he scored 2 touchdowns, including on a 58-yard run.[3] The game was particularly sweet to Shelby, as he had been called a "traitor" for attending Alabama instead of his home state school of Mississippi and had received a racist letter before the game.[3]
As a senior in 1975 he dropped to 315 yards as fullback Johnny Davis became Alabama's primary ball carrier.[1] Shelby was disappointed with his senior season.[4] He had also set a goal when he entered college "to be remembered as the best ever" but realized that hadn't happened, although he felt he would be able to become a good professional running back.[4]
Professional career
Shelby was drafted by the Bengals with the 138th pick of the 5th round of the
Shelby was less successful as a kick returner in
He ended his pro career with 7 rushing attempts for 14 yards, 2 receptions for 14 yards, 58 kickoff returns for 1375 yards (a 23.7 yard average) and 42 punt returns for 302 yards (a 7.2 yard average).[5]
References
- ^ a b c "Willie Shelby". Sports Reference. Retrieved September 5, 2015.
- ^ Browning, A. (September 13, 1974). "Willie Shelby Will Start at Halfback for Alabama". The Tuscaloosa News. p. 13. Retrieved September 5, 2015.
- ^ a b Browning, A. (October 6, 1974). "Willie Shelby Has the Last Laugh in Tides Win". The Tuscaloosa News. p. B1. Retrieved September 5, 2015.
- ^ a b Browning, A. (December 29, 1975). "Last Chance: Years Have Passed Quickly for Alabama's Willie Shelby". The Tuscaloosa News. p. 8. Retrieved September 5, 2015.
- ^ a b c d e f "Willie Shelby". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved September 5, 2015.
- ^ "Cincinnati Bengals 45 at Cleveland Browns 24". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved September 5, 2015.
- ^ a b c "1976 NFL Leaders and Leaderboards". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved September 5, 2015.
- ^ a b "Falcons' Jones Wants Patience". The Tuscaloosa News. Associated Press. August 30, 1978. p. 27. Retrieved September 5, 2015.
- ^ "Falcons Send Willie Shelby Back". The Tuscaloosa News. September 1, 1978. p. 20. Retrieved September 5, 2015.
- ^ "Bengals' Anderson Not Sulking". Kentucky New Era. September 1, 1978. p. 14. Retrieved September 5, 2015.
- ^ "Transactions". Boca Raton News. September 7, 1978. p. 4B. Retrieved September 5, 2015.
- ^ "Shelby Is Cut By St. Louis". The Tuscaloosa News. October 19, 1978. p. 20. Retrieved September 5, 2015.
- Gadsden Times. October 20, 1978. p. 11. Retrieved September 5, 2015.