Dave Grayson facts for kids

Dave Grayson was a talented American football player. He was born on June 6, 1939, and passed away on July 29, 2017. He played as a cornerback in two major leagues: the American Football League (AFL) and the National Football League (NFL). He played for teams like the Dallas Texans/Kansas City Chiefs and the Oakland Raiders. Before turning professional, he played college football at the University of Oregon.

Dave Grayson's Early Life and College Years

Dave Grayson started his football journey playing for San Diego High School. He played both as a running back (who carries the ball) and a defensive back (who tries to stop the other team). When he was a sophomore, his team had an amazing season, winning almost all their games. They even won a special "National championship" award! After that successful year, he moved to Lincoln High School.

After high school, Dave continued playing football at San Diego City College. He wasn't just good at football; he was also a talented track and field athlete. He was part of a relay team that set a new national record for junior colleges.

Later, he transferred to the University of Oregon. There, he played as an offensive halfback (part of the team that scores points) and a defensive halfback (part of the team that stops points).

Dave's achievements were recognized many years later. In 1982, he was added to the Oregon Sports Hall of Fame. In 2010, he was also honored in the Breitbard Hall of Fame. These halls of fame celebrate great athletes from those areas.

Dave Grayson's Professional Football Career

In 1961, Dave Grayson began his professional career. He was signed by the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted free agent. This means he wasn't chosen in the main player draft, but a team still wanted him. The Cowboys' coach, Tom Landry, thought Dave might be a bit small for the NFL at that time. However, a scout suggested him to the Dallas Texans coach, Hank Stram, who decided to give Dave a chance.

Dave joined the Dallas Texans (who later became the Kansas City Chiefs) and played with them for four years. In 1961, he made a huge play: he intercepted a pass and ran it back 99 yards for a touchdown against the New York Titans. This was a record for the team and the AFL! He also led the league in kickoff returns that year. For the next two years, he was second in the league for kickoff returns.

In 1965, Dave was traded to the Oakland Raiders. He continued to be a star player. He still holds the AFL record for the longest interception return for a touchdown. In 1962, he made a key interception in the Texans' championship game victory against the Houston Oilers. The Texans won that game in double-overtime!

Dave was chosen as an AFL All-Star six times during his career. He was an All-Star three times with the Texans/Chiefs (1962, 1963, 1964) and three times with the Raiders (1965, 1966, 1969).

In 1967, the Raiders moved Dave from cornerback to safety. A safety is another defensive position that helps cover the field. In the 1967 AFL Championship Game, he made a big 48-yard return on the opening kickoff. This helped his team win the game and reach Super Bowl II. In 1968, he led the AFL with 10 interceptions, which means he caught 10 passes thrown by the other team's quarterback. His 29 interceptions with the Raiders are still one of the highest totals in their history.

Dave Grayson holds the record for the most interceptions in AFL history, with 47! He also scored 5 touchdowns from these interceptions. He is considered one of the best players ever in the AFL and is a member of the American Football League All-Time Team. In 2017, a group of football researchers also recognized him as a great player.

Dave Grayson's Life After Football

After his football career, Dave Grayson started several businesses. He even owned one of the biggest nightclubs in Southeast San Diego during the 1970s. He also spent time helping his community. He worked with organizations like the Boys Club, the YMCA, and a group called the Committee for Community Involvement of Black Athletes. These groups help young people and support the community.

Dave Grayson passed away on July 29, 2017. His son, David Lee Grayson, Jr., also played professional football as a linebacker in the NFL for the Cleveland Browns and San Diego Chargers.