Willie Earl Shelby was born on July 24,1953 and is an American former professional football running back and kick returner who played for the Cincinnati Bengals and the St Louis Cardinals of the National Football League.
12 Facts About Willie Shelby
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Willie Shelby served primarily as a kick returner in 1973, but became the starting halfback as a junior in 1974.
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Willie Shelby ran 84 times in 19974 for 541 yards, a 6.4 average.
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Willie Shelby had set a goal when he entered college "to be remembered as the best ever" but realized that hadn't happened, although he felt he would be able to become a good professional running back.
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Willie Shelby was selected by the Bengals with the 138th pick of the fifth round of the 1976 NFL draft.
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Willie Shelby got little work as a running back in 1976, rushing just 5 times all season for 9 yards.
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Willie Shelby returned 30 kickoffs for 761 yards, for a 25.4 yard per return average.
8.
Willie Shelby returned 21 punts for 162 yards, a 7.7 yard per return average.
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Willie Shelby was less successful as a kick returner in 1977 and the Bengals waived him before the 1978 season.
10.
Willie Shelby was signed by the Atlanta Falcons, but the Falcons returned him to the Bengals when a physical exam showed that he had suffered a broken collar bone in the Bengals' final preseason game against the Green Bay Packers.
11.
Willie Shelby played 3 of 7 games for the Cardinals as a running back and kick returner in 1978 before being waived in October in order to make room on the roster to sign running back Lawrence Barnes.
12.
Willie Shelby ended his pro career with 7 rushing attempts for 14 yards, 2 receptions for 14 yards, 58 kickoff returns for 1375 yards and 42 punt returns for 302 yards.