Ernie Calloway
 Calloway in 1972 | |||||||||
| No. 57, 77, 78[1] | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Position: | Defensive tackle / Defensive end | ||||||||
| Personal information | |||||||||
| Born: | January 1, 1948 Orlando, Florida, U.S. | ||||||||
| Died: | November 29, 2023 (aged 75) | ||||||||
| Height: | 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) | ||||||||
| Weight: | 255 lb (116 kg) | ||||||||
| Career information | |||||||||
| High school: | Jones (Orlando) | ||||||||
| College: | Texas Southern (1965–1968) | ||||||||
| NFL draft: | 1969: 2nd round, 28th pick | ||||||||
| Career history | |||||||||
| * Offseason and/or practice squad member only | |||||||||
| Career highlights and awards | |||||||||
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| Career NFL statistics | |||||||||
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Ernest Henry Calloway (January 1, 1948 – November 29, 2023) was an American professional football player who was a defensive lineman for four seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Texas Southern Tigers and was selected by the Eagles in the second round of the 1969 NFL/AFL draft.
Early life
[edit]Ernest Henry Calloway was born January 1, 1948 in Orlando, Florida, attending Jones High School in that city.[1] He played college football for the Texas Southern Tigers of Texas Southern University. He was on the freshman team in 1965 and the main roster from 1966 to 1968.[1] He was a team captain and All-American in 1968. He was three times named a member of the All-Southwest Conference team.[2]
Professional career
[edit]Calloway was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the second round, with the 28th overall pick, of the 1969 NFL draft.[3] He played in all 14 games, starting eight, for the Eagles during his rookie year in 1969 and posted three sacks.[3] He finished tied for second in AP NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year voting.[4] He appeared in 14 games for the second straight year, starting 13, in 1970, recording 1.5 sacks and one fumble recovery.[3] Calloway played in 14 games for the third consecutive season, starting 12, in 1971, totaling 3.5 sacks and one fumble recovery.[3] He played in five games, all starts, for the Eagles during the 1972 season.[3]
In May 1973, Calloway and Leroy Keyes were traded to the Kansas City Chiefs for Gerry Philbin and a possible undisclosed future draft pick.[5] Calloway spent the entire 1973 season on injured reserve and was released in 1974.[6]
Calloway signed with the Florida Blazers of the World Football League (WFL) on July 14, 1974.[6] He was later placed on injured reserve.[6]
Calloway signed with the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League in 1975 but was later released.[6]
Personal life
[edit]Calloway worked as a contractor after his football career.[7] He was also a Bible scholar and a chess player.[7] He died on November 29, 2023.[7]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c "Ernie Calloway". Pro Football Archives. Retrieved May 15, 2025.
- ^ "Ernie Calloway," 1972 Philadelphia Eagles Media Guide. Philadelphia, PA: Philadelphia Eagles Football Club, 1972; p. 18.
- ^ a b c d e "Ernie Calloway". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved May 15, 2025.
- ^ "1969 Awards Voting". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved May 15, 2025.
- ^ "Chiefs Trade Philbin For Keyes, Calloway". Alabama Journal. Associated Press. May 18, 1973. p. 20. Retrieved May 15, 2025.
- ^ a b c d "Ernie Calloway Transactions". Pro Football Archives. Retrieved May 15, 2025.
- ^ a b c "Ernest Henry Calloway". New Horizon Funeral Chapel And Cremation. Retrieved May 15, 2025.
External links
[edit]- 1948 births
- 2023 deaths
- American football defensive linemen
- Canadian football defensive linemen
- Philadelphia Eagles players
- Florida Blazers players
- Kansas City Chiefs players
- Toronto Argonauts players
- Jones High School (Orlando, Florida) alumni
- Texas Southern Tigers football players
- Players of American football from Orlando, Florida
- Players of Canadian football from Orlando, Florida
- 20th-century African-American sportsmen
- 20th-century American sportsmen