Date of birth | September 16, 1952 |
---|---|
Place of birth | |
Career information | |
Position(s) | Running back, Kick Returner |
College | Pacific |
NFL draft | 1975 / Round: 3 / Pick 58 |
Career history | |
As player | |
1975–1977 | Green Bay Packers |
1978–1984 | St. Louis Cardinals |
Career stats | |
|
Willard Harrell (born September 16, 1952) is a former college and professional American football running back.
He went to Edison High School, , in the late 1960s and early 1970s and played under its legendary coach, Charlie Washington.
Harrell attended the University of the Pacific in .
Harrell was a third round draft pick of the Green Bay Packers in 1975, the 58th selection overall. He was drafted by and played for head coach Bart Starr, serving the team as a running back and kick returner for three seasons. During his rookie season of 1975, he led the Packers in punt returns (6.5 avg.), was the team's second-leading rusher (359 yards, 1 TD) and receiver (34 catches, 261 yards, 2 TDs), and threw three touchdown passes in just five attempts. He also led the team in rushing during the 1976 season with 435 yards in 130 attempts with three touchdowns. Harrell played in a total of 40 regular-season games for the Packers.
His last seven seasons in the NFL were spent with the St. Louis Cardinals.
Willard Harrell was born in and currently resides in Lake St. Louis, Missouri, where he owns a State Farm Insurance office. He also serves as an NFL uniform inspector during the home games of the St. Louis Rams. He is married to a schoolteacher.