16 Facts About Preston Pearson

Preston James Pearson was born on January 17,1945 and is an American former professional football player who was a running back in the National Football League for the Baltimore Colts, Pittsburgh Steelers and Dallas Cowboys.

Preston Pearson played college basketball for the Illinois Fighting Illini.

Preston Pearson was known primarily for his tough defense and was one of the few players who ever blocked a "skyhook" shot by Lew Alcindor.

Preston Pearson registered the longest kickoff return of the year in the NFL.

Preston Pearson averaged more than 4 yards per carry, scored on two pass receptions, and had a kickoff return for a 96-yard touchdown.

Preston Pearson became the starter at running back in his first year with the team.

Preston Pearson was replaced with rookie Franco Harris, who would not relinquish the position again on his way to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Preston Pearson then went on to assist the Cowboys to a Super Bowl X appearance by catching 12 passes for over 200 yards and three touchdowns in their two playoff games, including a reception for 123 yards and three receiving touchdowns against the heavily favored Los Angeles Rams in the NFC title game.

Preston Pearson's team ended up losing the Super Bowl to the Pittsburgh Steelers, with Pearson rushing for 14 yards and catching 5 passes for 53 yards.

Preston Pearson was an all-around player, contributing in running, receiving, blocking and special teams.

Preston Pearson appeared in 10 games, posting 68 carries for 233 yards, one rushing touchdown, 23 receptions for 316 yards and 2 receiving touchdowns.

Preston Pearson set the franchise record for receptions by a running back and finished second on the team with 46, while tallying 535 receiving yards.

Preston Pearson had a diving 26-yard touchdown reception at the end of the first half, and 2 catches for 47 yards in the final drive, including a 25-yarder that set up the winning touchdown at the Redskins' eight yard line.

Preston Pearson was the first player to appear in the Super Bowl with 3 different teams.

In 1981, Preston Pearson teamed with self-promoter Janie Tilford to form Pro-Style Associates.

Preston Pearson wrote a 1985 memoir, Hearing the Noise, My Life in the NFL,.