Name Willard Harrell College Pacific Role American football player | 1975-1977 Green Bay Packers 1978-1984 St. Louis Cardinals | |
Date of birth (1952-09-16) September 16, 1952 (age 63) NFL draft 1975 / Round: 3 / Pick 58 Positions Running back, Kickoff returner | ||
Place of birth Stockton, California Education University of the Pacific | ||
Willard Harrell (born September 16, 1952) is a former college and professional American football running back.
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High school career
He went to Edison High School, Stockton, California, in the late 1960s and early 1970s and played under its legendary coach, Charlie Washington.
College career
Harrell attended the University of the Pacific in Stockton, California.
Professional career
Harrell was a third round draft pick of the Green Bay Packers in 1975, the 58th selection overall. He was drafted by and played for head coach Bart Starr, serving the team as a running back and kick returner for three seasons. During his rookie season of 1975, he led the Packers in punt returns (6.5 avg.), was the team's second-leading rusher (359 yards, 1 TD) and receiver (34 catches, 261 yards, 2 TDs), and threw three touchdown passes in just five attempts. He also led the team in rushing during the 1976 season with 435 yards in 130 attempts with three touchdowns. Harrell played in a total of 40 regular-season games for the Packers.
His last seven seasons in the NFL were spent with the St. Louis Cardinals.
Personal life
Willard Harrell was born in Stockton, California and currently resides in Lake St. Louis, Missouri, where he owns a State Farm Insurance office. He also serves as an NFL uniform inspector during the home games of the St. Louis Rams. He is married to a schoolteacher.