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University of Central Oklahoma Athletics

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Hall of Fame

Bobby Williams

Bobby Williams

  • Induction
    1995
  • Sport(s)
    Football

Bobby Williams was a four-year starter at halfback in 1962-63-64-65, helping the Bronchos to a 25-11 record and the 1962 NAIA national championship during his career.  He also lettered in track in 1964, running on a conference champion 880–yard relay team.

Williams led Central in rushing two years and finished his career with 1,572 rushing yards in 278 carries, averaging 5.7 yards a carry.  He was also one of the most dangerous kickoff returners in the nation and still holds school records for most kickoff returns in a season (23) and career (53) and most kickoff return yards in a career (1,063).  An All-Conference pick as a senior, Williams finished his career with 3,094 all-purpose yards.

An 11th-round draft pick by the St. Louis Cardinals in 1966, Williams played six years in the NFL.  He was a defensive back and kick-returner for two years in St. Louis, averaging 23.1 yards on 31 kickoff returns and intercepting two passes.

Williams was traded to Detroit in 1968, spending one season in the taxi squad, then played three more for the Lions as a defensive back/kick returner.  He led the NFL in kickoff returns in 1969 with a 33.1 average that included a 96-yard touchdown return, averaged 21.7 yards a return and had one interception in 1970 and also averaged 28.0 yards a return in 1971.

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