Bill Athey (1987) - Baylor Athletics Hall of Fame

Bill Athey

Induction:
1987
Class:
1954

BILL ATHEY, Waco, Texas (Football, 1950-52) – 1987

A three-year starter at nose guard on defense for the Bears, Athey was a consensus All-Southwest Conference pick his last two seasons and was named a second-team All-American by the Associated Press as a junior in 1951.

Appearing on the cover of the NCAA Football Guide in 1952, Athey was a part of that 1951 team that finished 8-2-1 and lost to Georgia Tech, 17-14, in the Orange Bowl, the school’s first appearance in a “major” bowl game.

Following his senior season, Athey was selected to play in the Senior Bowl, Chicago Tribune All-Star game and North-South Shrine Game. In 1953, he was drafted in the seventh round by the NFL’s Baltimore Colts with the 74^th pick overall.