James Earl Wright (American football)
| Personal information | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Born: | March 27, 1939 Columbus, Mississippi, U.S. | ||||||
| Died: | February 26, 2009 (aged 69) | ||||||
| Height: | 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m) | ||||||
| Weight: | 190 lb (86 kg) | ||||||
| Career information | |||||||
| High school: | Stephen D. Lee (Columbus, Mississippi) | ||||||
| College: | Memphis State | ||||||
| Position: | Quarterback/Defensive back | ||||||
| NFL draft: | 1961 / round: 3 / pick: 36 | ||||||
| AFL draft: | 1961 / round: 14 / pick: 107 | ||||||
| Career history | |||||||
| Career NFL statistics | |||||||
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| Career CFL statistics | |||||||
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James Earl Wright (March 27, 1939 – February 26, 2009) was an American professional football player who was a defensive back and quarterback in the American Football League (AFL) and the Canadian Football League (CFL). He played college football for the Memphis Tigers.
Early life
[edit]Wright was born and grew up in Columbus, Mississippi. He attended Stephen D. Lee High School, where he lettered in baseball, football and track.[1]
College career
[edit]Wright attended Memphis State University and was the Tigers' starting quarterback for three seasons. As a senior, Time referred to Wright as "the most dangerous back in the South".[2] Wright was leading the nation in total offense as a senior before suffering torn cartilage in his left knee against Southern Mississippi.[3] He finished the season with 604 yards and 11 passing touchdowns. Wright was inducted into the Memphis Athletic Hall of Fame in 1979.[2]
Professional career
[edit]Wright was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the third round of the 1961 NFL draft and by the Boston Patriots in the 14th round of the 1961 AFL Draft.[4] He did not sign with either team and was later signed by the Edmonton Eskimos.[5] Wright missed the entire 1962 season due to his knee injury. In 1963 he played in three games, completing 5 of 15 passes for 89 yards with one touchdown pass and four interceptions and rushed ten times for 33 yards.[6] Wright's season ended when he tore ligaments in his right knee.[7] Wright was signed by the Denver Broncos in 1964 and was moved to defensive back. He played in ten games in 1964.[8]
References
[edit]- ^ "MEMPHIS STATE SIGNS COLUMBUS ACE". Hattiesburg American. May 31, 1957. Retrieved January 27, 2022 – via NewspaperArchive.
- ^ a b Russell, Joseph (March 5, 2009). "Former Tiger great James Earl Wright passes away". The Daily Helmsman. Retrieved May 31, 2020.
- ^ "WRIGHT OUT FOR SEASON: Memphis State Quarterback to Undergo Knee Operation". The New York Times. Associated Press. October 31, 1961. p. 35. Retrieved May 31, 2020.
- ^ "Funeral Arrangements For Former Tiger QB James Earl Wright". gotigersgo.com. March 2, 2009. Retrieved May 31, 2020.
- ^ "Eskimos Sign Wright". The New York Times. December 6, 1961. Retrieved May 31, 2020.
- ^ "James Wright Statistics". JustSportsStats.com. Retrieved May 31, 2020.
- ^ Lighty, Dick (August 27, 1963). "A Tough Grind". The Daily Herald. Retrieved January 27, 2022 – via NewspaperArchive.
- ^ "Jim Wright Stats". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved May 31, 2020.