Claxton Welch

Claxton Welch (born July 3, 1947) is a former NFL running back in the National Football League for the Dallas Cowboys, New Orleans Saints, and New England Patriots. He played college football at the University of Oregon.

Claxton Welch
No. 42, 43
Position:Running back
Personal information
Born: (1947-07-03) July 3, 1947
Portland, Oregon
Height:5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)
Weight:203 lb (92 kg)
Career information
High school:David Douglas
(Portland, Oregon)
College:Oregon
NFL Draft:1969 / Round: 9 / Pick: 230
Career history
Career highlights and awards
Career NFL statistics
Games played:31
Player stats at NFL.com
Player stats at PFR

Early years

Claxton Welch was born July 3, 1947 in Portland, Oregon[1] to Cornelia, an elementary schoolteacher, and Claxton Welch Sr., a contractor.[2] His African American parents were natives of Alabama who met while working on a shipyard.[2] Welch attended David Douglas High School where he was All-State in basketball and football.[3] He accepted a football scholarship from the University of Oregon.

As a junior, he rushed for 474 yards and caught 7 passes for 109 yards. In his last year, he gained 525 rushing yards despite missing three of the last four games.

Professional career

Dallas Cowboys (first stint)

Welch was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the ninth round (230th overall) of the 1969 NFL Draft. As a rookie, he was the fastest running back in training camp,[4] but was waived and signed to the taxi squad,[5] before being promoted to the roster on November 13.[6] On September 13, 1970, he was waived to make room for linebacker Fred Whittingham.

New Orleans Saints

On September 15, 1970, he was claimed off waivers by the New Orleans Saints, before being cut after one game on September 22, to make room for rookie running back Vic Nyvall.[7]

Dallas Cowboys (second stint)

On October 14, 1970, he was signed to the Cowboys' taxi squad, before being activated to play in 8 games. He is best remembered for his play against the San Francisco 49ers in the 1970 NFC Championship game, when he had 5 carries for 27 yards while giving Walt Garrison a breather.[8] In 1971, he earned a ring as a member of the Super Bowl VI-winning Dallas Cowboys, under coach Tom Landry.[9] He was released on September 6, 1972.[10]

Kansas City Chiefs

On November 22, 1972, he was signed by the Kansas City Chiefs. He was cut on August 7, 1973, and signed to the taxi squad.[11]

New England Patriots

On October 24, 1973, Welch was claimed off waivers by the New England Patriots.[12][13] He was placed on the injured reserve list on December 5.[14] He was released on August 16, 1974, after failing his physical examination.[15] He finished his NFL career with 83 rushing yards and 7 receiving yards.

References
  1. Ireland, Bernard (1998). Total Super Bowl. New York City, New York: HarperCollins. p. 147. ISBN 978-0-061-05885-1.
  2. Li, Sophia (July 16, 2011). "Life story: Cornelia Welch persevered when facing words that stung, eyes that failed". The Oregonian. Portland, Oregon. Archived from the original on January 8, 2020.
  3. "Dallas Releases Claxton Welch". Retrieved February 11, 2018.
  4. "Carter leaves Cowboys". Retrieved February 11, 2018.
  5. "Calvin Hill Cracks Lineup; Dallas to Player Limit". Retrieved February 11, 2018.
  6. "Welch Back For Dallas". Retrieved February 11, 2018.
  7. "Former Oregon star dropped by Saints". Retrieved February 11, 2018.
  8. "Running Key For Cowboys In Victory". Retrieved February 11, 2018.
  9. Perkins, Steve. The Dallas Cowboys: Winning the Big One. Grosset & Dunlap, 1972. ISBN 0-448-02080-7
  10. "Day Of Shuffling". Retrieved February 11, 2018.
  11. "Rookies vulnerable to 'cuts'". Retrieved February 11, 2018.
  12. "Sports Briefs". Retrieved February 11, 2018.
  13. Epstein, Eddie. Dominance: The Best Seasons of Pro Football's Greatest Teams. Dulles, VA: Brassey's Inc., 2002. 110. ISBN 1-57488-466-2
  14. "Wech Out For Patriots". Retrieved February 11, 2018.
  15. "Plunkett Tabbed to Start". Retrieved February 11, 2018.
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