Claxton Welch

Claxton Welch
No. 42, 43
Position: running back
Personal information
Date of birth: July 3, 1947
Place of birth: Portland, Oregon
Career information
High school: David Douglas
College: Oregon
NFL draft: 1969 / Round: 9 / Pick: 230
Career history
*Offseason and/or practice squad member only*
Career highlights and awards
Career NFL statistics
Games: 31
Stats at NFL.com
Stats at pro-football-reference.com

Claxton Welch (born July 3, 1947 in Portland, Oregon) is a former NFL running back, that played for the Dallas Cowboys, the New Orleans Saints, and the New England Patriots. He played in Super Bowl V and Super Bowl VI.

Early years

Welch attended David Douglas High School where he was All-State in basketball and football.[1] He accepted a scholarship to the University of Oregon.

Professional career

Dallas Cowboys (first stint)

He was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in 9th round (230th overall) of the 1969 NFL Draft. As a rookie he was the fastest running back in training camp,[2] but was waived and signed to the Cowboys taxi squad,[3] before being promoted to the roster on November 13.[4]

New Orleans Saints

After his first season, he was sent to the New Orleans Saints in 1970, before being waived after one game on September 22, to make room for rookie running back Vic Nyvall.[5]

Dallas Cowboys (second stint)

Welch was re-signed to the taxi squad on October 14, 1970. He is best remembered for his play against the San Francisco 49ers in the 1970 NFC Championship game.[6] In 1971, he earned a ring as a member of the Super Bowl VI-winning Dallas Cowboys, under coach Tom Landry.[7] He was released on September 6, 1972.[8]

Kansas City Chiefs

He was signed by the Kansas City Chiefs on November 22, 1972. He was cut on August 7, 1973, and signed to the taxi squad.[9]

New England Patriots

Welch was claimed off waivers by the New England Patriots on October 24, 1973.[10][11] He was placed on the injured reserve list on December 5.[12] He was released on August 16, 1974, after failing his physical examination.[13] He finished his NFL career with 83 rushing yards and 7 receiving yards.

References