HOUSTON (AP) -Johnny Bailey, a record-breaking running back in the small college ranks and former NFL Pro Bowl kick returner, has died from pancreatic cancer. He was 43.
I University, and became the second college player to run for more than 6,000 yards in a career.
I sports information director during Bailey’s college career. “He was a nice young man and he represented us well whenever he went to different places (to accept his awards).”
p 2,000 yards in a season.
He rushed for more than 200 yards in his first four college games and had at least 100 yards in his first 11. He gained 7,803 all-purpose yards, an NCAA career record.
He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2000.
Bailey played 81 games and scored nine touchdowns over six seasons in the NFL after he was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the ninth round in 1990. He holds the team’s record for the longest punt return when as a rookie he took one back 95 yards for a touchdown.
Bailey also played two seasons in Phoenix and two with the Rams, one in Los Angeles and the next when the franchise moved to St. Louis.
He made the Pro Bowl in 1992 as a return specialist when he averaged 13.2 yards returning punts for the Cardinals.
Funeral arrangements were pending for Bailey, who also starred at Houston Yates High School.
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