Bob Vaughn Explained

Bob Vaughn
Number:61
Position:Offensive guard
Birth Date:8 June 1945
Birth Place:Memphis, Tennessee, U.S.
Height Ft:6
Weight Lbs:240
Height In:4
High School:East
(Memphis, Tennessee)
College:Ole Miss (1963–1967)
Draftyear:1968
Draftround:3
Draftpick:75
Teams:
Pfr:VaugBo20
Statleague:AFL
Statlabel1:Games played
Statvalue1:1

Robert Curtis Vaughn (born June 8, 1945) is an American former football offensive guard who played one game in the American Football League (AFL) for the Denver Broncos. He played college football at Ole Miss and was selected in the third round (75th overall) of the 1968 NFL/AFL Draft.

Early life and education

Vaughn was born in Memphis, Tennessee on June 8, 1945.[1] He attended East High School in Memphis and was a two-sport star, being both a highly regarded football prospect and a top track athlete, specializing in hurdling.[2] Coached by Bobby Brooks, Vaughn was a starter for the East team that tied for the division title in 1962, being named All-Memphis and All-State.[2] [3] Being "one of the most sought-after players in West Tennessee," he committed to play college football for the Ole Miss Rebels over offers from 20 other teams.[4]

Vaughn spent his first year at Ole Miss, 1963, on the freshman team.[5] He was not a member of the varsity team in 1964.[6] Vaughn lettered in 1965 and became the team's starting right tackle on defense, after having been switched from offense.[6] [7] He also was put on the kickoff teams for his speed, while also being able to play tackle on offense and at wide receiver or tight end.[8] He appeared in every game during the 1965 season.[9]

Vaughn was initially named the team's starting offensive guard in 1966, replacing Stan Hindman who graduated.[9] He ended up being the top reserve lineman, and also was used at tackle in addition to guard.[10] As a senior in 1967, Vaughn was named a captain and served as the starting weakside offensive tackle for the Rebels.[11] [12] He graduated in 1968.[6] In his three seasons on the varsity, Ole Miss made a bowl game every year.[13]

Professional career

Vaughn was selected in the third round (75th overall) of the 1968 NFL/AFL Draft by the American Football League (AFL)'s Denver Broncos.[14] [15] He signed his rookie contract on June 12.[16] He made the team as a reserve guard but only appeared in one game as a backup before being placed on injured reserve, later being waived off the list with Dave Washington on November 12.[6] [17] [18] Vaughn attempted a comeback in 1969 but was waived before the regular season began.[19]

Later life

After being waived by the Broncos in 1969, Vaughn was hired as a baseball coach and assistant football coach at Sheffield High School.[20] He later served as headmaster at Wonder Elementary School, Hamilton Junior High School, Rutledge Academy and Oakhaven Baptist Academy.[13]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Bob Vaughn Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College . Pro-Football-Reference.com . 29 May 2023.
  2. News: All-State East Tackle Signs Ole Miss Grid Grant-In-Aid. The Commercial Appeal. Newspapers.com. December 11, 1962. 25.
  3. News: Vaughan of East to Ole Miss. The Memphis Press-Scimitar. Newspapers.com. December 11, 1962. 16.
  4. News: Vols Sign 5 More; Rebels Raid Memphis. The Knoxville News-Sentinel. Newspapers.com. December 11, 1962. 18.
  5. News: A Fine Crop Of Footballers From Memphis Make Marks On Freshman Teams. The Commercial Appeal. Newspapers.com. October 19, 1963. 21. Cavagnaro, Charles.
  6. Web site: Bob Vaughan Stats. Pro Football Archives.
  7. News: Ole Miss Star Has New Role. Enterprise-Journal. Newspapers.com. September 10, 1965. 9.
  8. News: Third-Place Finish In SEC Is Forged Behind Barricade. The Commercial Appeal. Newspapers.com. December 15, 1965. 36.
  9. News: Vaughan's New Assignment: He's Vaught's Choice As Hindman's Replacement. The Commercial Appeal. Newspapers.com. February 19, 1966. 20. Cavagnaro, Charles.
  10. News: 'Everybody Looks Forward To...Memphis State'. The Commercial Appeal. Newspapers.com. September 16, 1966. 26. Cavagnaro, Charles.
  11. News: Rebs Choose Vaughn As Co-Captain. The Memphis Press-Scimitar. Newspapers.com. September 22, 1967. 17.
  12. News: Rebel Menu Rugged Foe. Clarion-Ledger. Newspapers.com. September 14, 1967. 36.
  13. News: OBA's Vaughan Stresses Academics. The Commercial Appeal. Newspapers.com. July 11, 1982. 38. Rea, Larry.
  14. News: Memphians Heard Loud Call In Recent Pro Football Draft. The Commercial Appeal. Newspapers.com. February 6, 1968. 18. Gillespie, Charles.
  15. News: January 31, 1968 . Broncos pick unknown lineman . 31 . . May 29, 2023. NewspaperArchive. subscription.
  16. News: Broncos Sign 3rd Choice Vaughn. Longview News-Journal. Newspapers.com. United Press International.
  17. News: Pro Football Chart. The Knoxville News-Sentinel. Newspapers.com. August 23, 1968. 18. Olderman, Murray.
  18. News: November 13, 1968 . Broncos place two on waivers . 14 . . May 29, 2023. Associated Press. subscription. NewspaperArchive.
  19. News: Broncos Place Bob Vaughan On Waivers. Greeley Daily Tribune. Newspapers.com. August 15, 1969. 18. Associated Press.
  20. News: MIAA Announces Coaching Moves. The Commercial Appeal. Newspapers.com. August 28, 1969. 59.