James Earl Wright (American football)

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James Earl Wright
Position:Quarterback/Defensive Back
Personal information
Born:(1939-03-27)March 27, 1939
Columbus, Mississippi
Died:February 26, 2009(2009-02-26) (aged 69)
Height:5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)
Weight:190 lb (86 kg)
Career information
High school:Stephen D. Lee
(Columbus, Mississippi)
College:Memphis State
NFL Draft:1961 / Round: 3 / Pick: 36
AFL Draft:1961 / Round: 14 / Pick: 107
Career history
Career NFL statistics
Games played:10
Interceptions:1
Career CFL statistics
TD–INT:1–4
Passing yards:89
Passer rating:91.3
Player stats at PFR

James Earl Wright (March 27, 1939 — February 26, 2009) was a gridiron football defensive back and quarterback who played in the American Football League and the Canadian Football League. He played college football at Memphis.

Early life and high school[]

Wright was born and grew up in Columbus, Mississippi. He attended Stephen D. Lee High School, where he lettered in baseball, football and track.[1]

College career[]

Wright attended Memphis State and was the Tigers' starting quarterback for three seasons. As a senior, Time referred to Wright as "the most dangerous back in the South".[2] Wright was leading the nation in total offense as a senior before suffering torn cartilage in his left knee against Southern Mississippi.[3] He finished the season with 604 yards and 11 passing touchdowns. Wright was inducted into the Memphis Athletic Hall of Fame in 1979.[2]

Professional career[]

Wright was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the third round of the 1961 NFL Draft and by the Boston Patriots in the 14th round of the 1961 AFL Draft.[4] He did not sign with either team and was later signed by the Edmonton Eskimos.[5] Wright missed the entire 1962 season due to his knee injury. In 1963 he played in three games, completing 5 of 15 passes for 89 yards with one touchdown pass and four interceptions and rushed ten times for 33 yards.[6] Wright's season ended when he tore ligaments in his right knee.[7] Wright was signed by the Denver Broncos in 1964 and was moved to defensive back. He played in ten games in 1964.[8]

References[]

  1. ^ "MEMPHIS STATE SIGNS COLUMBUS ACE". Hattiesburg American. May 31, 1957. Retrieved January 27, 2022 – via NewspaperArchive.
  2. ^ a b Russell, Joseph (March 5, 2009). "Former Tiger great James Earl Wright passes away". The Daily Helmsman. Retrieved May 31, 2020.
  3. ^ "WRIGHT OUT FOR SEASON: Memphis State Quarterback to Undergo Knee Operation". The New York Times. Associated Press. October 31, 1961. p. 35. Retrieved May 31, 2020.
  4. ^ "Funeral Arrangements For Former Tiger QB James Earl Wright". gotigersgo.com. March 2, 2009. Retrieved May 31, 2020.
  5. ^ "Eskimos Sign Wright". The New York Times. December 6, 1961. Retrieved May 31, 2020.
  6. ^ "James Wright Statistics". JustSportsStats.com. Retrieved May 31, 2020.
  7. ^ Lighty, Dick (August 27, 1963). "A Tough Grind". The Daily Herald. Retrieved January 27, 2022 – via NewspaperArchive.
  8. ^ "Jim Wright Stats". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved May 31, 2020.

External links[]

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