John Meyers (American football)

John Douglas Meyers (born January 16, 1940 in Forest City, Iowa) is a former American football defensive tackle in the National Football League for the Dallas Cowboys and the Philadelphia Eagles. He played college football at the University of Washington and was drafted in the third round of the 1962 NFL Draft by the Los Angeles Rams. Meyers was also selected in the fourth round of the 1962 AFL Draft by the Oakland Raiders.

Early years

Affectionately known as "Big John",^[1] Meyers attended Richland High School. He was an All-state football player in 1957 and was an All-American in basketball, that led his team to the 1958 State Basketball Championship.^[2]

He went on to play for the University of Washington where he was a two-time Rose Bowl champion. He also practiced basketball. The athletics department created the John Meyers Defensive Player award in his honor for the basketball teams. He was the starting right tackle for the Huskies in their 49-6 Rose Bowl victory over the Wisconsin Badgers. The next night, he played basketball for the Huskies against the UCLA Bruins!

Professional career

Los Angeles Rams

Meyers was selected by the Los Angeles Rams in the third round of the 1962 NFL Draft. On September 7, 1962, he was traded to the Dallas Cowboys along with linebacker Bob Long, in exchange for a third round draft choice in the 1964 NFL Draft.^[3]

Dallas Cowboys

Meyers was the starter at right defensive tackle in 1962.^[4] Seven games into the 1963 season, the team switched Bob Lilly from left defensive end to right defensive tackle, relegating him to the bench.^[5]

On March 20, 1964, he was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles along with Sam Baker and Lynn Hoyem, in exchange for Tommy McDonald.^[6]

Philadelphia Eagles

Meyers was a starter in his first two seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles. He was released on August 15, 1968.^[7]

Personal life

He married Joanne Rohrbaugh on July 5, 1962. They had two children Kristy and Nicole.

References