Charles Cornelius (gridiron football) facts for kids
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| Position: | Defensive back | ||||
| Personal information | |||||
| Born: | July 27, 1952 Boynton Beach, Florida, U.S. |
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| Height: | 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m) | ||||
| Weight: | 176 lb (80 kg) | ||||
| Career information | |||||
| High school: | Atlantic (Delray Beach, Florida) | ||||
| College: | Bethune-Cookman (1972–1976) | ||||
| Undrafted: | 1977 | ||||
| Career history | |||||
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| CFL status: | International | ||||
| Career NFL statistics | |||||
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| Player stats at PFR | |||||
Charles Edward Cornelius, born on July 27, 1952, is a former American football player. He was a talented defensive back. He played for four seasons in the National Football League (NFL). His NFL teams included the Miami Dolphins and the San Francisco 49ers. Charles also played college football at Bethune-Cookman University. Later, he joined teams in the Canadian Football League (CFL). These teams were the Montreal Alouettes/Concordes and the Ottawa Rough Riders.
Early Life and College Football Journey
Charles Edward Cornelius was born in Boynton Beach, Florida. This was on July 27, 1952. He grew up and went to Atlantic Community High School. His high school was in Delray Beach, Florida.
Playing for Bethune-Cookman Wildcats
Charles played college football for the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats. He was part of the team from 1972 to 1976. He was a key player for three years. This means he earned a "letter" for his performance.
He also played in a special game. It was called the Black College All-American Classic. This game happened on January 8, 1977.
Charles Cornelius's Professional Football Career
After college, Charles Cornelius hoped to play in the NFL. He was not chosen in the 1977 NFL draft. But he still got a chance to play.
Starting with the Miami Dolphins
Charles signed with the Miami Dolphins in 1977. He was waived, meaning released, on August 31. But he rejoined the Dolphins on September 21. He played in 13 games during the 1977 season.
In 1978, he played in all 16 games for the Dolphins. He made one interception, running it back 21 yards. He also returned one punt for five yards. He even played in one playoff game that year.
Moving to the San Francisco 49ers
On August 21, 1979, Charles was traded. He went to the San Francisco 49ers. The Dolphins received a draft pick in return.
He played in all 16 games for the 49ers in 1979. He started 14 of those games. He caught three interceptions, gaining 54 yards. He also recovered two fumbles. The 49ers finished that season with a 2–14 record.
In 1980, he played in all 16 games again. He started six games that year. He recovered two more fumbles for the team. The 49ers released him on May 1, 1981.
Brief Time with the Green Bay Packers
The Green Bay Packers picked up Charles on May 12, 1981. This was after he was released by the 49ers. However, he was waived by the Packers later that year. This happened on August 18, 1981.
Playing in the Canadian Football League (CFL)
After his time in the NFL, Charles moved to Canada. He joined the Canadian Football League (CFL).
With the Montreal Alouettes/Concordes
In 1981, Charles played for the Montreal Alouettes. He played in eight games. He had four interceptions, gaining 45 yards.
The team changed its name to the Montreal Concordes in 1982. Charles played in all 16 games that season. He made two interceptions, running them back 22 yards. The Concordes finished the year with a 2–14 record.
Joining the Ottawa Rough Riders
In 1983, Charles played for the Ottawa Rough Riders in the CFL. He played in 14 games. He had two interceptions, gaining 67 yards.
He played his final CFL season in 1984. He appeared in eight games. He recorded three interceptions, gaining 22 yards.
