Place of birth: Cleveland, Ohio Name Don McIlhenny Height: 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) | College: Southern Methodist Weight 94 kg Games played: 40 | |
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Date of birth: (1934-11-22) November 22, 1934 (age 81) NFL draft: 1956 / Round: 3 / Pick: 27 Education South Houston High School (1956–1961), Southern Methodist University | ||
Donald Brookes McIlhenny (born November 22, 1934 in Cleveland, Ohio) is a former American football halfback in the National Football League for the Detroit Lions, Green Bay Packers, Dallas Cowboys, and the San Francisco 49ers. He played college football at Southern Methodist University.
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Early years
McIlhenny attended South Houston High School before moving on to Southern Methodist University.
Detroit Lions
McIlhenny was selected in the third round (27th overall) of the 1956 NFL Draft by the Detroit Lions. As a rookie, he was the team's leading rusher during the first four games of the season, before injuries limited his productivity and finished with 372 rushing yards in 9 games.
On July 25, 1957, he was traded to the Detroit Lions along with offensive tackles Ollie Spencer and Norm Masters, and offensive guard Jim Salsbury, in exchange for quarterback Tobin Rote and defensive back Val Joe Walker.
Green Bay Packers
The Green Bay Packers used him as a reserve halfback for 4 seasons. He led the team in rushing in 1957 with 100 carries for 384 yards and was fifth in the league in kickoff return average (25.9 yards).
Dallas Cowboys
McIlhenny was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the 1960 NFL Expansion Draft, becoming the first starting halfback in franchise history. In the Cowboys 1960 inaugural season, Don scored the first rushing touchdown for the Cowboys and was second on the team in rushing with 96 carries for 321 yards in 11 games (7 starts). He was waived on October 11, 1961.
San Francisco 49ers
He was claimed off waivers by the San Francisco 49ers and played in 5 games during the 1961 season.
Personal life
His son Lance McIlhenny played for Southern Methodist University and is the winningest quarterback in school and Southwest Conference history. His son Lott McIlhenny also played for Southern Methodist University.