Did You Realize? - Austin Eeler

[FoutsFan]

Great one there. Even though he didn't have a long career, James was always one of my favorites.

The really strange thing about James is that he retired after the 1988 season because of a degenerative hip disorder, avascular necrosis. His college backfield partner at Auburn university was Bo Jackson. He also retired in 1994 from a supposed hip injury, but what the injury did was reveal Jackson also had avascular necrosis in his hip. Weird that two backs from the same school at the same time would retire early from the same uncommon disease. Something in the water there? Or maybe something in the needle?

Fun way back article,

Lionel James and Bo Jackson rolled for 245 yards...

By JEFF WOODARD

AUBURN, Ala. -- Lionel James and Bo Jackson rolled for 245 yards and three touchdowns Saturday night to spark the 3rd-ranked Auburn Tigers to a 24-3 season-opening victory over Southern Mississippi.

James led the Tigers with 172 yards on 16 carries and scored on an 8-yard run. Jackson picked up 73 yards on 11 rushes and scored on a 10-yard run and a 44-yard pass from quarterback Randy Campbell.

https://www.upi.com/Archives/1983/09...8200432014400/

[bartman83642]

Did you realize his last name is spelled Ekeler? Lol

Doh! Fat fingers on the keyboard.

[Steve]

Keith Byers was a pretty good pass catching FB for the Eagles as well. Not much of a runner.

Terrell Fletcher who was a fair, but not great 3rd down back had more yards receiving then rushing.Terrell Fletcher Stats | Pro-Football-Reference.com