Ernie Wheelwright (running back)

Ernie Wheelwright
Position(s)
Running back		 Jersey #(s)
30, 39
Born November 28, 1939(1939-11-28)
Columbus, Ohio
Died May 1, 2001(2001-05-01) (aged 61)
Las Vegas, Nevada
Career information
Year(s) 1964–1970
College Southern Illinois University
Professional teams
Career stats
Rushing attempts-yards 387-1426
Receptions-yards 54-531
Touchdowns 16
Stats at NFL.com
Career highlights and awards
  • No notable achievements

Contents

Biography

Ernest Lamour 'Wheels' Wheelwright was born in Columbus, Ohio on November 28, 1939 and attended Southern Illinois University. He had several careers but is chiefly remembered as an American Football player who played as a running back for the New York Giants(1964–65), Atlanta Falcons(66-67) and the New Orleans Saints(67 -70).

He was also an actor who appeared in a number of films including: The Longest Yard(1974), Trackdown (1976), The Greatest (1977) & Wildcats (1986.) Immediately before he began his career as a running back he had served in the 101st Airborne Division(aka the Screaming Eagles).[1]

Running back career

[2]

Actor and singer

Ernie Wheelwright was also owner of one of Atlanta's premier nightclubs in the 60's, the Pick Pussycat Club [3] 'Wheels' hosted many visiting black artists and had the opportunity to cut a record 'Beggin You Back' for the local Gaye label owned by Johnny Brooks.[4][note 1]

Wheelwright's nightclub ownership bought him into contact with the Mafia and ultimately this curtailed his Football career. In 1970 the NFL asked Wheelwright, then with the New Orleans Saints, to sell his interest on the grounds that continuing ownership would bring the NFL into disrepute.[5]

Wheelwright then worked as a moderately successful actor where his athletic 6' 3" frame was ideal for sports type characters. He married twice and his grandson is another famous football player Ernie Wheelwright IV currently with the Baltimore Ravens.

Ernie Wheelwright died of cancer in Las Vegas on May 1, 2001 aged 61.

References

  1. ^ Sports Illustrated, 19th Hole, Readers comments , June 15th 1970
  2. ^ http://armchairgm.wikia.com/Ernie_Wheelwright
  3. ^ Roy Powers http://www.bluesdestinyrecords.com/ipnmonitor/index.php?maincat_id=4
  4. ^ Sir Shambling Deep Soul Website http://www.sirshambling.com/artists/ernie_wheelwright/ernie_wheelwright.html
  5. ^ Sports Illustrated, This Saint has been called a sinner, June 1st 1970

Notes

  1. ^ J T. Brooks who was also an engineer and record producer had opened his own facility in Atlanta in 1964.Wheelwright's disc was one of at least eight on Gaye. In addition Brooks was owner of the gospel label Sounds of Atlanta whose roster included Little Jimmy Dempsey, Big Chief Weatherington, the Soul Searchers and The Blackwood Singers.