Ira Valentine

Last updated

Ira Valentine
Ira Valentine2.jpg
Valentine while at Texas A&M
No. 45
Position: Running back
Personal information
Born:(1963-06-04)June 4, 1963
Marshall, Texas, U.S.
Died:July 6, 2022(2022-07-06) (aged 59)
Height:6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
Weight:212 lb (96 kg)
Career information
High school: Marshall (TX)
College: Texas A&M
NFL draft: 1987  / Round: 12 / Pick: 314
Career history
 * Offseason and/or practice squad member only
Career NFL statistics
Games played:7
Rush attempts:5
Rushing yards:10
Receptions:2
Receiving yards:10
Kick returns:1
Return yards:13
Player stats at NFL.com  ·  PFR

Ira Lynn Valentine (June 4, 1963 – July 6, 2022) was an American football running back who played one season in the National Football League (NFL) for the Houston Oilers. He played college football at Texas A&M and also had a stint with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Contents

Early life and education

Valentine was born on June 4, 1963, in Marshall, Texas to Maudell and Ira Valentine. [1] He attended Marshall High School and played football. He played on defense for his first three seasons, only seeing time as a running back in his senior year. [2] As a senior, Valentine ran 174 times for 858 yards (a 4.9 yard average) and scored nine touchdowns. [2]

After graduating from high school, Valentine committed to Texas A&M University, joining two of his former Marshall teammates. [3] He was the first Marshall player to sign a letter-of-intent in 1982, signing at 8 a.m. on February 10, the earliest possible time. [4] For his first season at the school, he played on the junior varsity football team. [5]

Valentine made the varsity roster in 1983 as the backup fullback. [6] However, he suffered an injury and did not play. [1] In 1984, Valentine played as a reserve fullback and return specialist. [7] [8] Valentine saw his first "extensive playing time" in 1985 and was the team's top blocking back. [9] He scored his first career touchdown in a 43–16 win over Houston in week five and scored a key two-point conversion in the Aggies' 28–27 win versus the Texas Tech Red Raiders two weeks earlier. [9]

Valentine saw more time as a ball-carrier in 1986 due to the departure of Anthony Toney. [10] He finished his college career with 101 touches for 486 yards and six touchdowns. [11]

Professional career

Valentine was selected in the 12th round (314th overall) of the 1987 NFL Draft by the Houston Oilers. [12] [13] "Ira was the fastest player at his position still available when it came our turn," said Oilers' head coach Jerry Glanville, as Valentine had run a 4.40 second 40-yard dash in college. [14] "That's what we look for in our 12th round pick ... the fastest player available at his position." [14] He reported to camp at the beginning of May. [13] He was officially signed by the team in mid-July. [15] In two preseason games against the Indianapolis Colts, Valentine ran for 65 yards on 15 carries. [16] He survived the final roster cuts on September 7 and made his NFL debut in week one against the Los Angeles Rams, in a 20–16 win. [16] [17]

Valentine did not play again until week ten, a 23–3 win at the Pittsburgh Steelers. [17] In the game, he recorded three rush attempts for five yards as well as two receptions for 10 yards. [17] He also appeared in five other games: week eleven, a 7–40 loss versus the Cleveland Browns; week twelve, a 27–51 loss at the Indianapolis Colts; week thirteen, a 33–18 win over the San Diego Chargers, in which he recorded two rushes for five yards; week fourteen, a 10–24 loss at the New Orleans Saints; and week sixteen, a 21–17 win over the Cincinnati Bengals, in which he recorded one kickoff return for 13 yards. [17] He also appeared in two playoff games, in a win over the Seattle Seahawks and in a loss to the Denver Broncos. [17] Valentine finished the season with five rushes for 10 yards, two catches for 10 yards, and one kickoff return for 13 yards for a total of 33 all-purpose yards. [17] He appeared in seven total games as well as two playoff games. [17]

Valentine entered the 1988 season competing with Alonzo Highsmith, Mike Rozier, Lorenzo White, Allen Pinkett, Spencer Tillman, and Ray Wallace for the starting running back job. [18] He was released at the final roster cuts in August. [19]

Valentine received a tryout with the St. Louis Cardinals in October 1988, but was not signed. [20] In January 1989, he signed a two-year contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. [21] He was released at the final roster cuts in August and did not sign another NFL contract afterwards. [22]

Later life and death

Valentine returned to East Texas, where he grew up, after his football career ended and worked at a forging plant. [23] [24] He died July 6, 2022, at the age of 59, from a heart attack. [11]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Charlie Joiner</span> American football player and coach (born 1947)

Charles B. Joiner Jr. is an American former professional football wide receiver who played in the American Football League (AFL) and the National Football League (NFL) for 18 seasons. He played 11 seasons with the San Diego Chargers, with whom he earned all three of his Pro Bowl selections, and was named first-team All-Pro by the Associated Press in 1980. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1996.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Earl Campbell</span> American football player (born 1955)

Earl Christian Campbell, nicknamed "the Tyler Rose", is an American former football running back who played in the National Football League (NFL) for the Houston Oilers and the New Orleans Saints. Known for his aggressive, punishing running style and ability to break tackles, Campbell gained recognition as one of the best power running backs in NFL history.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Yale Lary</span> American football player, businessman, and politician (1930–2017)

Robert Yale Lary Sr. was an American professional football player, businessman, and politician. He played for 11 seasons as a safety, punter and return specialist for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League (NFL). He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1979 and was also selected for the NFL 1950s All-Decade Team.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bruce Matthews (American football)</span> American football player and coach (born 1961)

Bruce Rankin Matthews is an American former professional football player who played as a guard, center, offensive tackle, and long snapper in the National Football League (NFL) for 19 seasons, from 1983 to 2001. He spent his entire career playing for the Houston / Tennessee Oilers / Titans franchise. Highly versatile, Matthews played every position on the offensive line throughout his NFL career, starting in 99 games as a left guard, 87 as a center, 67 as a right guard, 22 as a right tackle, 17 as a left tackle, and was the long snapper on field goals, PATs, and punts. Having never missed a game due to injury, Matthews' 293 NFL games started is the third most of all time, behind quarterbacks Brett Favre and Tom Brady.

Curtis Raymond Dickey is an American former professional football running back who played in the National Football League (NFL) for seven seasons, spending most of his career with the Baltimore/Indianapolis Colts before finishing his career with the Cleveland Browns. He played college football at Texas A&M University.

John "Bucky" Powell Richardson is a former quarterback for Texas A&M University who went on to play professionally for the National Football League (NFL)'s Houston Oilers. He is married to Tracey and has three children named Jordan, John Paul and Jenna.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Skip Walker</span> American gridiron football player (1954–2022)

Alvin Ray "Skip" Walker was an American professional football running back who played five seasons in the Canadian Football League (CFL) for the Montreal Alouettes and Ottawa Rough Riders, including two seasons where he led the CFL in rushing yards in 1982 and 1983. He was named a CFL All Star in 1982 and 1983, and a CFL East All-Star in 1980, 1982 and 1983. He played college football at Texas A&M and was selected in the 11th round of the 1976 NFL Draft by the Houston Oilers. He also spent time with the Toronto Argonauts, Saskatchewan Roughriders, and Green Bay Packers.

Charles Edward "Chuck" Banks is a former professional American football player who played fullback in the National Football League (NFL) for the Houston Oilers and the Indianapolis Colts, crossing picket lines as a replacement player for the latter during the 1987 NFL Players' Association strike. r He played college football at West Virginia Tech and in 1986 became the first player in school history to win a place on an NFL roster. He was elected to the school's Hall of Fame in 2012.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Randy Bullock</span> American football player (born 1989)

Randy Bullock is an American football placekicker who is a free agent. He played college football at Texas A&M, and was recognized as the nation's best college football kicker and a consensus All-American. He was selected by the Houston Texans in the fifth round of the 2012 NFL Draft, after winning college football's Lou Groza Award.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Uzoma Nwachukwu</span> American football player (born 1990)

Uzoma "E.Z." Nwachukwu is an American former football wide receiver, sports marketing agent, and television personality. He played college football for Texas A&M. He was a member of the Houston Texans, Miami Dolphins, Seattle Seahawks, and Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League (NFL), and BC Lions of the Canadian Football League (CFL).

James Ramsey Dardar is a former National Football League (NFL) defensive lineman. He appeared in 16 NFL games, all for the 1984 St. Louis Cardinals, and he spent brief periods on the rosters of the New York Giants and Houston Oilers.

The 1975 Texas A&M Aggies football team represented Texas A&M University during the 1975 NCAA Division I football season. The team was ranked second in the nation late in the season before losing its last two games. The Aggies finished as Southwest Conference co-champions with both the Texas Longhorns and the Arkansas Razorbacks. The three co-champions each finished with a 10–2 overall win–loss record and a 6–1 record against Southwest Conference opponents.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kyle Allen</span> American football player (born 1996)

Kyle James Allen is an American football quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League (NFL). A native of Scottsdale, Arizona, he played high school football at Desert Mountain and was among the top football players of his class. He played college football at Texas A&M before transferring to Houston in 2016.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Drew Kaser</span> American football player (born 1993)

Andrew James Kaser is an American former professional football player who was a punter in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Texas A&M Aggies, twice earning All-American honors. He was selected by the San Diego Chargers in the sixth round of the 2016 NFL Draft.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Brandon Williams (cornerback, born 1992)</span> American football player (born 1992)

Brandon Williams is an American former professional football player who was a cornerback who played for five seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Texas A&M. He was selected by the Arizona Cardinals in the third round of the 2016 NFL draft. He was a member of the Cardinals from 2016 to 2019, the New York Giants in 2020, and the Houston Texans in 2020.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Damion Ratley</span> American football player (born 1995)

Damion Ratley is an American football wide receiver who is a free agent. He played college football at Texas A&M. He has played for the Cleveland Browns, New York Giants, Houston Texans, and Detroit Lions.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Alex McGough</span> American football player (born 1995)

Alexander Lee McGough is an American football quarterback for the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at FIU, and was selected by Seattle Seahawks in the seventh round of the 2018 NFL Draft. He has also been a member of the Jacksonville Jaguars, Houston Texans, and Birmingham Stallions.

Braden Mann is an American football punter for the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Texas A&M Aggies. During his junior season, he received unanimous All-American honors and won the Ray Guy Award. He also broke the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) records for single-game punting average, single-season punts of 60-plus yards and single-season punting average.

De'Von Achane is an American football running back for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Texas A&M and was selected by the Dolphins in the third round of the 2023 NFL draft.

William Lee Overmyer is a former American football linebacker.

References

  1. 1 2 "Ira Valentine Stats". Pro Football Archives. Retrieved October 1, 2023.
  2. 1 2 Hartley, Mark (April 4, 1982). "Long, Valentine continued tradition of Mavs' runners". The Marshall News Messenger . p. 13 – via Newspapers.com. Open Access logo PLoS transparent.svg
  3. ↑ McLain, Jim (February 7, 1982). "Recruiters eyeing Marshall, Tyler in East Texas". The Times . p. 7 – via Newspapers.com. Open Access logo PLoS transparent.svg
  4. ↑ "Sheneman, Valentine sign letters of intent". The Marshall News Messenger . February 10, 1982. p. 13 – via Newspapers.com. Open Access logo PLoS transparent.svg
  5. ↑ "Aggie JV Tops Cards". Tyler Morning Telegraph . September 7, 1982. p. 16 – via Newspapers.com. Open Access logo PLoS transparent.svg
  6. ↑ Keeney, Mike (July 22, 1983). "Former teammates now foes". The Marshall News Messenger . p. 11 – via Newspapers.com. Open Access logo PLoS transparent.svg
  7. ↑ "Aggies hope offensive line will create time for Murray". The Baytown Sun . Associated Press. September 6, 1984. p. 71 – via Newspapers.com. Open Access logo PLoS transparent.svg
  8. ↑ Gonzalez, Simon (September 23, 1984). "Stump guides A&M over Iowa St., 38–17". Fort Worth Star-Telegram . p. 43 – via Newspapers.com. Open Access logo PLoS transparent.svg
  9. 1 2 Keeney, Mike (October 18, 1985). "BU's Hurd looking forward to game with old friend Saturday". The Marshall News Messenger . p. 9 – via Newspapers.com. Open Access logo PLoS transparent.svg
  10. ↑ Hicks, Phil (June 21, 1986). "Sherrill: 'We're Excited'". Tyler Morning Telegraph . p. 21, 27 – via Newspapers.com. Open Access logo PLoS transparent.svg
  11. 1 2 Williams, Charean (July 8, 2022). "Former Oilers running back Ira Valentine dies at 59". Profootballtalk.com . NBC Sports.
  12. ↑ "1987 NFL Draft". Pro-Football-Reference.com . Retrieved October 1, 2023.
  13. 1 2 Hilburn, Van (May 10, 1987). "Ira wants future with NFL". The Marshall News Messenger . p. 11 – via Newspapers.com. Open Access logo PLoS transparent.svg
  14. 1 2 Walker, John (August 26, 1987). "Oilers camp stay makes Valentine's day". San Angelo Standard-Times . p. 25 – via Newspapers.com. Open Access logo PLoS transparent.svg
  15. ↑ "Oilers sign Jeffries, Aggies' Valentine". Times Record News . Associated Press. July 23, 1987. p. 11 – via Newspapers.com. Open Access logo PLoS transparent.svg
  16. 1 2 Hilburn, Van (September 9, 1987). "Valentine survives Houston Oiler cut". The Marshall News Messenger . p. 7 – via Newspapers.com. Open Access logo PLoS transparent.svg
  17. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 "Ira Valentine Career Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com . Retrieved October 1, 2023.
  18. ↑ Hainline, L. Scott (August 1, 1988). "Solid performance gives Valentine hope of landing berth in backfield". Austin American-Statesman . p. 20 – via Newspapers.com. Open Access logo PLoS transparent.svg
  19. ↑ "Martin released by Oilers". Del Rio News Herald . Associated Press. August 30, 1988. p. 10 – via Newspapers.com. Open Access logo PLoS transparent.svg
  20. ↑ "Tryouts". Arizona Republic . October 12, 1988. p. 58 – via Newspapers.com. Open Access logo PLoS transparent.svg
  21. ↑ Hilburn, Van (January 8, 1989). "Valentine returns to NFL". The Marshall News Messenger . p. 9, 10 – via Newspapers.com. Open Access logo PLoS transparent.svg
  22. ↑ Kerasotis, Peter (August 31, 1989). "Kerwin confident he'll make roster". News-Press . p. 33 – via Newspapers.com. Open Access logo PLoS transparent.svg
  23. ↑ Hague, Nathan (June 25, 2017). "Where are they now: Marshall's Valentine enjoys being back home in East Texas after his NFL career". The Marshall News Messenger .
  24. ↑ "Obituary for Ira Lynn Valentine". Rosewood Memorial Funeral Associates.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.