Odell Lawson Explained

Odell Lawson
Position:Running back
Number:32, 39
Birth Date:20 December 1948
Birth Place:Ponca City, Oklahoma, U.S.
Death Place:New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
Height Ft:6
Height In:2
Weight Lbs:218
High School:Ponca City
College:Langston
Draftyear:1970
Draftround:7
Draftpick:160
Pastteams:
Statlabel1:Rushing attempts
Statvalue1:70
Statlabel2:Rushing yards
Statvalue2:130
Statlabel3:Receptions
Statvalue3:13
Statlabel4:Receiving yards
Statvalue4:108
Pfr:L/LawsOd00

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.

Early life and high school

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

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.

Professional career

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.[2] [3] 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]

Notes and References

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