Name John Meyers Positions Tackle College: Washington | Weight 125 kg Height: 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) | |
Date of birth: (1940-01-16) January 16, 1940 (age 75) NFL draft: 1962 / Round: 3 / Pick: 31(By the Los Angeles Rams) | ||
High school: Richland High School | ||
John Douglas Meyers (born January 16, 1940) is a former American football defensive tackle in the National Football League for the Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles. He played college football at the University of Washington.
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Early years
Affectionately known as "Big John", Meyers attended Columbia High School. He was an All-state football player in 1957 and was an All-American in basketball, that led his team to the 1958 State Basketball Championship.
He went on to play for the University of Washington where he was a two-time Rose Bowl champion. He also practiced basketball. He was the starting right tackle for the Huskies in the 49-6 Rose Bowl victory over the Wisconsin Badgers. The next day, he played on the basketball team against the UCLA Bruins. The athletics department created the John Meyers Defensive Player award in his honor for the basketball teams.
Los Angeles Rams
Meyers was selected by the Los Angeles Rams in the third round (31st overall) of the 1962 NFL Draft. He also was selected in the fourth round (25th overall) of the 1962 AFL Draft by the Oakland Raiders.
On September 7, he was traded to the Dallas Cowboys along with linebacker Bob Long, in exchange for a third round draft choice (#32-Willie Brown).
Dallas Cowboys
Meyers was the starter at right defensive tackle in 1962. Seven games into the 1963 season, the team switched Bob Lilly from left defensive end to right defensive tackle, relegating him to the bench.
On March 20, 1964, he was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles along with Sam Baker and Lynn Hoyem, in exchange for Tommy McDonald.
Philadelphia Eagles
Meyers was a starter at right defensive tackle in his first two seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles. He was released on August 15, 1968.
Personal life
He married Joanne Rohrbaugh on July 5, 1962. They had two children Kristy and Nicole. He died May 7, 1998 at UCLA Medical Center as he was waiting for a heart transplant. He was 58.