Odell Lawson (December 20, 1948 — February 14, 2008) was an American football running back who played in the American Football League (AFL). He played college football at Langston.

Odell Lawson
No. 32, 39
Position:Running back
Personal information
Born:(1948-12-20)December 20, 1948
Ponca City, Oklahoma, U.S.
Died:February 14, 2008(2008-02-14) (aged 59)
New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
Height:6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)
Weight:218 lb (99 kg)
Career information
High school:Ponca City
College:Langston
NFL draft:1970 / Round: 7 / Pick: 160
Career history
 * Offseason and/or practice squad member only
Career NFL statistics
Rushing attempts:70
Rushing yards:130
Receptions:13
Receiving yards:108
Player stats at PFR

Early life and high school edit

Lawson was born and grew up in Ponca City, Oklahoma and attended Ponca City High School. He was named All-State as a senior in 1965.[1]

College career edit

Lawson was named All-Oklahoma Collegiate Conference as a sophomore and as a senior. He rushed for over 2,000 yards in his collegiate career.[2]

Professional career edit

Lawson was selected by the Boston Patriots in the seventh round of the 1970 NFL Draft. He was named the Patriot's rookie of the year after rushing for 99 yards on 56 carries, gaining 113 yards on 11 receptions, and returning 25 kickoffs for 546 yards.[3][2] Lawson suffered a season-ending injury two games into the 1971 season.[4] He was cut by the Patriots at the end of training camp in 1972.[5]

Lawson was signed by the San Francisco 49ers during the 1973 offseason, but was waived at the end of training camp. He was claimed off waivers by the New Orleans Saints and spent the next two seasons with the team.[6]

References edit

  1. ^ "The list sets off a debate". The Oklahoman. August 27, 2007.
  2. ^ a b "1971 New England Patriots Media Guide" (PDF). Retrieved August 29, 2020.
  3. ^ "1972 New England Patriots Media Guide" (PDF). Retrieved August 29, 2020.
  4. ^ Wallace, William N. (September 28, 1971). "Coaches of Falcons, Bears Elated". The New York Times. Retrieved August 29, 2020.
  5. ^ "Lawson files:'Just didn't have it'". The Boston Globe. August 30, 1972. Retrieved August 29, 2020.
  6. ^ "1974 New Orleans Saints Media Guide" (PDF). Retrieved August 29, 2020.