Everson Walls facts for kids

Everson Collins Walls (born December 28, 1959) is a former American football player. He was a talented defensive back in the National Football League (NFL). Walls played for the Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants, and Cleveland Browns.

During his 14 seasons, he was chosen for the Pro Bowl four times. He was also named an All-Pro three times. Walls won a Super Bowl with the Giants in 1990. Before the NFL, he played college football for the Grambling State Tigers.

Early Life and College Journey

Everson Walls grew up in Richardson, TX, near the Dallas Cowboys practice field. His nickname was "Cubby." He only played football for one year in high school, during his senior year. Even then, he led his district in interceptions.

Walls was determined to play college football. After high school, he went to Grambling State University. He got a chance to try out for the team. He impressed the famous coach Eddie Robinson. Coach Robinson even helped him get a full scholarship. Walls did great in college, leading the nation with 11 interceptions in his final year.

Playing in the NFL

Dallas Cowboys: A Rookie Star

When Everson Walls tried out for the National Football League, some scouts thought he was too slow. But his hometown team, the Dallas Cowboys, signed him anyway. He joined the league as a 21-year-old undrafted free agent.

Walls made a huge impact right away. Even as a backup player, he led the league in interceptions. He became a starter in his fifth game. That year, he finished with 11 interceptions. His amazing play earned him a Pro Bowl invitation as a rookie.

In the 1982 season, which was shorter due to a strike, Walls again led the league. He had seven interceptions in just nine games. He continued his strong play, leading the league in interceptions again in 1985 with nine. Only he and safety Ed Reed have led the NFL in interceptions three times.

Walls was chosen for the Pro Bowl four times: 1981, 1982, 1983, and 1985. During this time, the Cowboys were a strong team but couldn't win a Super Bowl. Walls was known as one of the best cornerbacks. Quarterbacks often avoided throwing the ball to his side of the field. He led the Cowboys in interceptions for five seasons, a team record he shares.

He left the Cowboys after the 1989 season. He had 44 interceptions with the team, which is second-most in Cowboys history.

New York Giants: Super Bowl Glory

In 1990, Walls joined the New York Giants. He signed a two-year contract. For the first time, Walls played as a safety. He was part of a great defensive team with stars like Lawrence Taylor. Walls even helped call many of the defensive plays. He scored his only career defensive touchdown with an interception return. This play helped the Giants win a game and start the season 7–0.

The Giants, coached by Bill Parcells, had a fantastic 13–3 record. They reached the NFC Championship game against the San Francisco 49ers. The Giants won a close game, 15–13, to reach Super Bowl XXV.

In the Super Bowl, they faced the Buffalo Bills. Walls made a key tackle on Thurman Thomas late in the game. This tackle likely saved a touchdown for the Bills. The Giants won the Super Bowl 20–19. Walls was even on the cover of Sports Illustrated celebrating the victory!

In 1992, Walls played a few games as a starter and backup for the Giants. He was released in October that year.

Cleveland Browns: Final Seasons

Walls then signed with the Cleveland Browns in October 1992. He reunited with his former Giants defensive coordinator, Bill Belichick, who was now the Browns' head coach. Walls played in 10 games with 5 starts and had 2 interceptions. In 1993, he started 7 games before being released.

In his last three professional seasons, after moving to the safety position, he recorded seven interceptions.

Everson Walls' Legacy

Everson Walls is known as one of the best defensive backs in football history. He is one of only two players to lead the NFL in interceptions three times. He also led the Cowboys in interceptions a team-record five times. He ranks second in Cowboys history for career interceptions and 10th all-time in the NFL with 57.

Walls also shares the Pro Bowl record for most interceptions with four. He shares the single-game Pro Bowl record with two interceptions. He played for many famous coaches, including Eddie Robinson, Tom Landry, Bill Parcells, Jimmy Johnson, and Bill Belichick. He was named to the Cowboys' 25th Year Anniversary Team.

Walls has been inducted into several Halls of Fame:

• Southwestern Athletic Conference Hall of Fame (2006)
• Texas Black Sports Hall of Fame (2003)
• Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame (1998)
• Grambling Legends Sports Hall of Fame (1998)

In 2019, the Professional Football Researchers Association named Walls to their Hall of Very Good Class.

Walls was involved in a famous play called "The Catch" in the 1981 NFC Championship. A photo of this play, with Walls trying to block the ball, was on the cover of Sports Illustrated. Years later, he was on the cover again, celebrating the Giants' Super Bowl win.

In 2020, NFL player Everson Griffen said he was named after Everson Walls because his family were Cowboys fans.

A Special Gift: Kidney Donation

In 2006, Everson Walls made a very special decision. He announced he would donate a kidney to his former Cowboys teammate, Ron Springs. Ron Springs had diabetes and needed a kidney. The surgery was successful in March 2007.

In 2009, Walls wrote a book called A Gift For Ron. It shares his experiences on and off the field, including his decision to donate his kidney.