Willie Fleming facts for kids
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Fleming in 1960
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| Born: | February 2, 1939 Atlanta, Georgia, U.S. |
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| Career information | |
| CFL status | International |
| Position(s) | RB |
| Height | 5 ft 9 in (175 cm) |
| Weight | 183 lb (83 kg) |
| College | Iowa |
| NFL draft | 1961 / Round: 14 / Pick: 196 |
| Drafted by | Philadelphia Eagles |
| Career history | |
| As player | |
| 1959–1966 | BC Lions |
| Career highlights and awards | |
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| CFL All-Star | 1963 |
| CFL West All-Star | 1961, 1962, 1963 |
| Retired #s | BC Lions #15 |
| Career stats | |
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Willie Fleming (born February 2, 1939) is a famous American former football player. He played as a running back for the BC Lions in the Canadian Football League (CFL). Fleming was known for his amazing speed and tricky running style.
He was so good that people called him "The Wisp" or "Will 'o the Wisp." This nickname came from how hard it was for other players to catch him on the field. Willie Fleming is a member of the Canadian Football Hall of Fame and the BC Sports Hall of Fame. His number 15 jersey was even retired by the BC Lions, which means no other player on that team will ever wear it again!
Early Life and College Football
Willie Fleming grew up in Detroit, Michigan. He played football at Hamtramck High School as a halfback. In 1956, he was named an All-City player, showing his talent early on.
In 1957, Fleming started playing college football at the University of Iowa. He quickly became a star. In 1958, he was named a First Team All-Big Ten player. That year, he helped his team, the Hawkeyes, win the Big Ten championship. He was also the team's top scorer.
In 1959, Fleming and the Hawkeyes played in the 1959 Rose Bowl game. They won against the University of California with a score of 38–12. Fleming scored two rushing touchdowns in that big game.
Professional Football Career
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After his great college career, Willie Fleming joined the Canadian Football League (CFL) in 1959. He started playing for the BC Lions. By 1960, he became the first player for the Lions to run for over 1,000 yards in a single season. He gained 1,051 yards, averaging an impressive 8.4 yards per carry!
In 1963, Fleming and his teammate, quarterback Joe Kapp, led the Lions to a fantastic 12–4 record. They won the CFL Western Division championship. However, they lost the 1963 Grey Cup championship game to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. During that game, Fleming was hurt by a player from the other team and had to leave the game. Even with that tough ending, 1963 was his best year, as he rushed for 1,234 yards.
The next year, in 1964, Fleming and the Lions got their chance for revenge. They faced the Hamilton Tiger-Cats again in the 1964 Grey Cup. This time, the Lions won their first CFL championship with a score of 34–24! Fleming scored a huge touchdown with a 68-yard run that helped seal the victory. Earlier in 1964, he also set a CFL record for the longest touchdown run from the line of scrimmage, running 109 yards against the Edmonton Eskimos. This record still stands today!
Willie Fleming retired from the CFL and the BC Lions after the 1966 season. He was a CFL All-Star in 1963 and a three-time CFL Western Division All-Star. He was also voted the most popular BC Lions Player three times. In 1982, he was inducted into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame. In 2003, he was named to the BC Lions All-Time Dream Team. In 2006, he was voted onto the Honour Roll of the CFL's top 50 players of the modern era by TSN.
After Football
After retiring from the CFL in 1967, Willie Fleming has stayed active. He lives in Bedford, Ohio, and keeps himself in shape by working out regularly.
