Dave Meggett

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Dave Meggett
Date of birth April 30, 1966
Place of birth Charleston, South Carolina
Position(s) RB
College Morgan State & Towson University
NFL Draft 1989 / Round 5
Pro Bowls 2
Statistics
Team(s)
1989-1994
1995-1997
1998
New York Giants
New England Patriots
New York Jets

Dave Meggett (born April 30, 1966 in Charleston, South Carolina), is a former professional American Football running back who played for the New York Giants (1989-1994), New England Patriots (1995-1997), and the New York Jets (1998). Before his NFL career, he played for Morgan State University and Towson University.

Meggett was used frequently as both a rusher and receiver in his NFL career, but was primarily used to return kickoffs and punts on special teams. He led the league in punt return yards (582) in his rookie season, while gaining 577 kickoff return yards, 531 receiving yards, and 117 rushing yards, earning him a trip to the Pro Bowl. Meggett lead the NFL in punt return yards again in his second season (467), helping the Giants record a 13-3 regular season record and a 20-19 victory over the Buffalo Bills in Super Bowl XXV. He had a solid performance in the Super Bowl, recording 129 all-purpose yards (48 rushing, 18 receiving, 37 punt return, 26 kickoff return).

After four more seasons with New York, Meggett signed with the Patriots in 1995. In 1996, he had the best season of his career, recording 1,966 all-purpose yards, earning his second trip to the pro bowl, and helped New England gain a berth in Super Bowl XXXI. Although his team lost the game 35-21 to the Green Bay Packers, his performance was solid, recording 155 total yards (117 kick return, 30 punt return, eight receiving). Meggett spent one more year with the Patriots before joining the New York Jets in 1998, and then retiring at season's end.

In his 10 NFL seasons, Megget amassed 1,648 rushing yards, 336 receptions for 3,083 yards, 3,708 punt return yards, and 5,566 yards returning kickoffs. In total, Meggett gained 14,005 all-purpose yards and scored 29 touchdowns (8 rushing, 11 receiving, 7 punt returns, 1 kickoff return). He also completed four of eight passes for 114 yards and four touchdowns.

His 3,708 punt return yards are currently the second most in NFL history.

Subsequent to his NFL career, Dave Meggett was an Assistant Coach at American International College for over two years, and then moved to North Carolina.

[edit] Personal life

Meggett was released by the New England Patriots in 1998 after being accused of sexually assaulting a prostitute in a Toronto hotel room. While with the Giants, Meggett was also charged with lewdness after allegedly soliciting sex from an undercover Baltimore police officer.

In 2004, Meggett surrendered to Dedham, Massachusetts authorities for failing to produce $191,600 that he owed in child support.

On September 1st, 2006, he was formally charged with the Second Degree Rape of his girlfriend. A month later, amid the charges, he resigned his post as the parks and recreation director of Robersonville, North Carolina.


[edit] External links

Preceded by
Kenny Gamble
Walter Payton Award Winner
1988
Succeeded by
John Friesz