Ernie Wheelwright (running back) facts for kids
Wheelwright in 1965
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| No. 30, 39 | |||||||||
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| Position: | Running back | ||||||||
| Personal information | |||||||||
| Born: | November 28, 1939 Columbus, Ohio |
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| Died: | May 1, 2001 (aged 61) Las Vegas, Nevada |
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| Career information | |||||||||
| High school: | Columbus (OH) Central | ||||||||
| College: | Southern Illinois | ||||||||
| Undrafted: | 1964 | ||||||||
| Career history | |||||||||
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| Career NFL statistics | |||||||||
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| Player stats at PFR | |||||||||
Ernest Lamour Wheelwright (born November 28, 1939 – died May 1, 2001) was an American football player. People often called him 'Wheels'. He went to Southern Illinois University.
Ernie Wheelwright had many different jobs during his life. He is best known for playing American football. He was a running back for several teams.
Ernie Wheelwright: Football Star
Before playing football, Ernie served in the 101st Airborne Division. This group is also known as the Screaming Eagles.
He played for the New York Giants from 1964 to 1965. Then he joined the Atlanta Falcons from 1966 to 1967. Finally, he played for the New Orleans Saints from 1967 to 1970.
Life After Football
After his football career, Ernie Wheelwright became an actor. He appeared in several movies.
He was in The Longest Yard in 1974. He also acted in Trackdown (1976) and The Greatest (1977). His last known film was Wildcats in 1986.
Ernie also owned a popular club in Atlanta during the 1960s. He welcomed many famous Black artists there. He even recorded a song called 'Beggin You Back'. In 1970, the NFL asked him to sell his share of the club. This was due to rules about players owning certain types of businesses.
Ernie Wheelwright passed away on May 1, 2001. He was 61 years old and died from cancer in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Film Appearances
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1974 | The Longest Yard | Spooner |
| 1976 | Trackdown | Rosey |
| 1977 | The Greatest | Bossman Jones |
