Cecil Pryor facts for kids
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| Position: | Defensive end |
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| Personal information | |
| Born: | October 7, 1947 Nueces County, Texas |
| Died: | September 13, 2005 (aged 57) Ann Arbor, Michigan |
| Career information | |
| College: | Michigan |
| NFL Draft: | 1970 / Round: 5 |
| Career history | |
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Cecil Lemuel Pryor, Jr. (born October 7, 1947 – died September 13, 2005) was a talented American football player. He played college football for the University of Michigan from 1967 to 1969. After college, he played professionally for the Montreal Alouettes in 1973. He also played for the Memphis Grizzlies from 1974 to 1975.
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Growing Up
Cecil Pryor was born in Nueces County, Texas, in 1947. He grew up in Corpus Christi, Texas, with his brother and two sisters. He went to King High School.
At that time, many big Texas schools did not recruit African-American players. So, Cecil chose to play football at the University of Michigan. A coach he knew, Y C McNease, had become an assistant coach there.
Playing for Michigan
Cecil played for the Michigan Wolverines football team from 1967 to 1969. He first joined the team as a quarterback. But he started his college career as a linebacker in 1967.
As a junior, he became a starter. He played eight games as a defensive right end. He also played one game as an offensive right end. This was during the last season coached by Bump Elliott.
The Bo Schembechler Era
Bo Schembechler became Michigan's head coach for Cecil's senior year in 1969. Cecil started all 11 games as a right defensive end. He also started two games on offense.
He played in the famous 1969 Michigan vs. Ohio State football game. This game is known as one of the biggest upsets in college football history. Michigan, which was not ranked, beat the No. 1 team, Ohio State, 24-12.
Before the game, a small fight happened between players in the tunnel. Coach Schembechler later said he knew his team was ready when Cecil Pryor yelled, "And we're gonna kick your ass tomorrow, too!" Cecil was a key player in the defense that day. He helped stop Ohio State's star player, Rex Kern. Cecil also recovered a fumble in the last minute to secure the win.
In 1993, Cecil said about the game, "That was probably the greatest game I ever participated in my life."
Rose Bowl Game
After beating Ohio State, Michigan earned a spot in the 1970 Rose Bowl. Cecil showed his funny side before the game. His teammate, Jim Brandstatter, remembered Cecil telling the camera he was "majoring in nuclear physics." Brandstatter said Cecil had never even been near the physics building!
The team learned that coach Schembechler had a heart attack the night before the game. This made the team very emotional. Cecil was seen crying at the news. In his final game for Michigan, Cecil led the team with 15 tackles. But Michigan lost the game 10-3. A newspaper writer said Cecil was a "demon on defense" in the Rose Bowl.
Cecil was chosen as a second-team All-Big Ten Conference player in 1969. He also played in the Coaches All-American football game in 1970. During his time at Michigan, Cecil made 106 tackles. He also recovered four fumbles.
Playing Professionally
The Green Bay Packers drafted Cecil in the fifth round of the 1970 NFL Draft. However, he was cut by the Packers before the season started. He also tried out for the Philadelphia Eagles but was cut.
In 1971, he joined the New York Giants for pre-season training. But he was cut again. In 1972, he was with the Chicago Bears through pre-season. He was cut by them in September 1972.
Canadian and World Football Leagues
In 1973, Cecil signed to play for the Montreal Alouettes in the Canadian Football League. He was a starting player for the team. He got a cheek injury in a game and was later released from the team.
Cecil then played for the Memphis Grizzlies in the World Football League. He played with them during the 1974 and 1975 seasons.
Life After Football
After his football career, Cecil Pryor went back to the University of Michigan. He finished his degree there. He then started a company that leased equipment. This company became very successful.
In the 1990s, he joined a training program for car dealerships. He later bought a dealership in Jackson, Michigan. Cecil was a co-owner of Jackson Ford for over 10 years. He also served on the University of Michigan's sports board for 12 years.
Cecil was married to Jan Pryor. They had three daughters: Melissa, Cecilia, and Hillary. Cecil Pryor passed away in September 2005 at the University of Michigan Hospital. He was 57 years old.
