Bill Callahan (defensive back)

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Bill Callahan
No. 25
Position: Defensive back
Personal information
Born: (1964-04-11) April 11, 1964 (age 60)
Natrona Heights, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Height:6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
Weight:200 lb (91 kg)
Career information
High school: Valley
College: Pittsburgh
NFL draft: 1986  / Round: 4 / Pick: 94
Career history
Player stats at PFR

William Timothy Callahan (born April 11, 1964) is a former American football defensive back who played for the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for Pittsburgh Panthers while at University of Pittsburgh. [1]

Callahan switched from a running back to his best known position as a defensive back in 1983, after a suggestion from his coach Joe Naunchik, although many did not initially understand his choice to change position. Callahan became the starting favourite in that position after his predecessor Ray Weatherspoon was dropped following an altercation. [2]

In 1986, he was favourably compared to Tom Flynn and was described by The Pittsburgh Press as being "one of the brightest young safeties in the NFL". He was recorded as running the 40 yards (37 m)-dash in 4.48 seconds, making him among the fastest safeties playing at that time. His time was comparable to then top-rated safety Craig Swoope, who did the same run in 4.57 seconds. [3]

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References

  1. "Bill Callahan Stats". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved April 11, 2023.
  2. "Callahan: Safety Valve For Panthers". The Pittsburgh Press. August 21, 1983. p. 146.
  3. "Callahan is timing things just right for NFL draft". The Pittsburgh Press. April 27, 1986. p. 151.