Place of birth Akron, Ohio Name Don Clark Drafted by Chicago Bears College Ohio State Positions Running back | CFL status International Education Ohio State University Status Retired Role Canadian football Cfl east all star 1961 | |
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Date of birth (1936-12-27) December 27, 1936 (age 78) NFL draft 1959 / Round: 1 / Pick: 7 | ||
Don Clark (born December 27, 1936) is a former all-star running back in the Canadian Football League.
Clark played his college football with the powerhouse Ohio State Buckeyes. Playing from 1956 to 1958, he was integral part of their 1957 Rose Bowl victory and national championship. An All-American, he was drafted in the first round by the Chicago Bears, even though he was injured.
Canada was Clark's preferred destination, and he signed with the Ottawa Rough Riders in 1959. After rushing for 343 yards, he couldn't agree on contract terms with Ottawa, and was traded to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, who promptly dealt him to the Montreal Alouettes.
Clark was part of dynamic backfield with the Larks, sharing the ball with CFL great George Dixon. He rushed for 902 yards in 1960 (Dixon had 976) and 1143 yards in 1961, when he selected as an Eastern All Star. Injuries took their toll during his last two years, as played only 12 games and rushed for 435 and 447 yards (while Dixon won the MVP award rushing for 1520 yards.) Clark retired in 1964, only 27 years old, due to knee, rib and kidney injuries.