| No. 40 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Position: | Running back | ||||
| Personal information | |||||
| Born: | (1951-09-01)September 1, 1951 (age 73) Trenton, North Carolina, U.S. | ||||
| Height: | 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) | ||||
| Weight: | 205 lb (93 kg) | ||||
| Career information | |||||
| High school: | Jones (NC) | ||||
| College: | East Carolina | ||||
| NFL draft: | 1973: 17th round, 438th pick | ||||
| Career history | |||||
| Career highlights and awards | |||||
| Career NFL statistics | |||||
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Les Strayhorn (born September 1, 1951) is an American former professionalfootballrunning back in theNational Football League (NFL) for theDallas Cowboys. He also played in theCanadian Football League (CFL) for theHamilton Tiger-Cats andMontreal Alouettes. He playedcollege football atEast Carolina University.
Strayhorn attended Jones High School inTrenton, North Carolina. He accepted a scholarship fromEast Carolina University.
Although he was hampered by a severe shoulder injury early in his college career, he was able to overcome it and become a three-year starter atrunning back.[1][2] He finished his college career with 373 carries for 1,673 yards, a 4.5-yard average and 8touchdowns.
Strayhorn was selected by theDallas Cowboys in the seventeenth round (438th overall) of the1973 NFL draft. In1974, he was a backup atfullback. He played 2 seasons, while suiting up for 24 games, rushing for 128 yards with a 5.8-yard average and onetouchdown. He was waived on September 9,1975.
In1975, he was signed by theHamilton Tiger-Cats of theCanadian Football League.[3] He played 2 seasons, rushing for 342 yards and one touchdown. On August 6,1976, he was released to make room for running back Jimmy De Ratt.
In1976, he was signed by theMontreal Alouettes based on a recommendation fromTom Landry, who at the time were coached by future hall of famerMarv Levy.[4] On July 5,1977, he tore ligaments in his left knee and was lost for the season, still, he was a part of theGrey Cup championship team.
After football, he worked in the New Hanover County Department of Social Services.[5] His brother Ken also played football atEast Carolina University.