| Willie Ellison |
Willie Ellison was born on November 1, 1945 in Lockhart, Texas. Ellison was an NFL running back who played eight seasons in the National Football League. He was drafted with the 33 pick overall in the second round of the 1967 NFL Draft by the Los Angeles Rams.
Record BreakerIt was December 5, 1971 and the Los Angeles Rams were hosting the New Orleans Saints. Little known running back Willie Ellison shocked the football world. On the day, Ellison ran 26 times for an NFL record 247 yards and scored a touchdown. The 247 yards topped the 243 yards put up by Cookie Gilchrist on December 8, 1963. Ellison’s record has since been broken. Earlier in the season, Willie Ellison was asked if he was the same Willie as he was in prior seasons. “It's just that I'm getting a chance to play more than ever before,” said the Los Angeles Rams' No. 1 running back. "I'm able to do more different things and play it looser. I've got much more confidence in myself and I think I've got the support of my teammates." (2) Ellison to Pro Bowl
Willie Ellison’s record-setting day helped propel him to the Pro Bowl following the 1971 season. For the season, Ellison carried the football 211 times for 1000 yards, caught 32 passes for another 238 yards and scored 4 touchdowns. 1971 was the best season Willie Ellison had in his 8-year career. Willie Ellison Career NumbersDuring Willie Ellison’s career, he carried the football 801 times for 3426 yards, a 4.3 yards per carry average, had 104 catches for another 888 yards and scored 30 total touchdowns.
By A. Goodin, 20Yardline.com Willie Ellison Bibliography:
(1) NFL Single Game Rushing Record |
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