James McAlister

James Edward McAlister (September 5, 1951 – March 31, 2018) was an American football running back in the National Football League during the 1970s. He was drafted by the Oakland Raiders in the sixth round of the 1974 NFL Draft. He played college football at UCLA, where he was also a star on the track and field team. He had the best long jump in the world in 1973 set at home in Westwood.

James McAlister
No. 43, 37
Position:Running back
Personal information
Born:(1951-09-05)September 5, 1951
Little Rock, Arkansas
Died:March 31, 2018(2018-03-31) (aged 66)
Corona, California
Height:6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)
Weight:240 lb (109 kg)
Career information
High school:Pasadena (CA) Blair
College:UCLA
NFL Draft:1974 / Round: 6 / Pick: 148
Career history
Career NFL statistics
Rushing yards:677
Average:3.6
Touchdowns:5
Player stats at NFL.com
Player stats at PFR

In 1974, the World Football League gained a large measure of recognition the day before the NFL draft when the Southern California Sun announced the signing of three potential NFL first-round selections, including McAlister. McAlister was one of a trio whose agent, 22-year-old Michael L Trope, decided not to wait for competitive bidding by the NFL. "Their value was at a peak, 30% to 35% higher than it would have been later, because of the publicity the WFL could get by our signing," said Trope, who approximated the total package at close to $1 million for his three clients.[1]

McAlister also played for the Philadelphia Eagles and New England Patriots. He was on the cover of Sports Illustrated in 1971.[2]

McAlister died on March 31, 2018 in Corona, California.

References

  1. Joe Marshall, "Full Of Sound And Fury," Sports Illustrated, February 11, 1974.
  2. James McAlister Sports Illustrated cover
Sporting positions
Preceded by
Randy Williams
Men's long jump best year performance
1973
Succeeded by
Arnie Robinson


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