Nate James (American football)

Last updated
Nate James
No. 33
Position: Defensive back
Personal information
Born: (1945-02-20) February 20, 1945 (age 79)
Bartow, Florida, U.S.
Height:6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)
Weight:195 lb (88 kg)
Career information
High school: Union Academy (Bartow, Florida)
College: Florida A&M
NFL draft: 1968  / Round: 6 / Pick: 152
Career history
Career NFL statistics
Games played:12
Player stats at PFR

Nathaniel James, known as Nate James, (born February 20, 1945) is a former college football and track star at Florida A&M University (FAMU). He was drafted into the National Football League (NFL) by the Cleveland Browns and returned several kicks for the team. [1] He was inducted into the FAMU Hall of Fame in 1990. [2]

James attended segregated Union Academy (Bartow, Florida) where he was coached by Claude Woodruff. James recalled Woodruff as a hardline disciplinarian who had a saying: kill a mosquito with an ax, but go sharpen the ax first. [3]

He was part of the FAMU track and field team that won Penn Relays four years in a row. [3]

In 1968, he was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the 6th round. [4] He appeared in 12 games for the team. [1]

As of 1990, he had been teaching and coaching in Orange County, Florida for 15 years. [3]

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References

  1. 1 2 "Nate James". Pro-Football-Reference.com via Pro Football Reference.
  2. "FAMU Hall of Fame". Pro-Football-Reference.com via FAMU Athletics.
  3. 1 2 3 "James Joins Old High School Coach Woodruff in FAMU Hall of Fame". Orlando Sentinel . October 4, 1990.
  4. "NFL Draft Selections - Polk County - BCP Nation". Big County Preps.