Tag Archives: baltimore colts

NFL, University of Texas

Leaks, Roosevelt “Rosey”

Card: UT Upper Deck 2011, UT Upper Deck 2011 AA
Acquired: TTM 2011, C/o Home
Sent: 11/30/11   Received:  4/16/12  (139 days)

UT is a machine when it comes to cranking out quality runningbacks. While some point to recent names like Ricky Williams, Priest Holmes, and Cedric Benson, take a look at Roosevelt Leaks, -the man who made Earl Campbell play second fiddle for his Freshman season.  Leaks was a consensus All American in 1973 and set the school record for most yards rushing (since broken) with 342 against SMU.  A team captain and MVP, Roosevelt set an SWC mark with 1,415 yards rushing that season and was named the MVP of the Conference.  Today he is ranked 7th all time on the school’s rushing chart totaling 2,923 career yards and was inducted into the Longhorn Hall of Honor in 1985.

The Baltimore Colts needed a presence at fullback and felt that Roosevelt fit the bill, taking him in the 5th round of the 1975 draft. Considered the first guy in the weight room and the last one out, Leaks over his career was utilized as a short yardage back but was also a punishing blocker. His best season came in 1976, where he ran for 445 yards and 7 touchdowns.  After 5 seasons in Baltimore, Roosevelt signed with the Bills in 1980. He’d experience a small renaissance scoring 6 touchdowns in 1981 and 5 touchdowns in 1982 while blocking for RB Joe Cribbs.  In the end, Roosevelt finished his pro career with 32 career touchdowns, before retiring after the 1983 season as a Buffalo Bill.

He’s retired to the Austin area, where he resides today,  is an active member of his chapter of the NFLPA, and a real estate developer.

G/Gs 107/59    Car  663    Yds  2406    Avg  3.6     Td  28    Lg  42
Rec  71    Yds  590    Avg  8.3    Td 4    Lg 27


NFL

Donaldson, Ray

Card: Pro Set 1990
Acquired: TTM 1992, Colts Blitz

After an impressive career at Georgia, Ray Donaldson was originally a second round choice of the Baltimore Colts back in 1980.  He would take over the starting duties at the postion in 1981 and saw the team through the final years in Baltimore, the Eric Dickerson years and up through the beginning of the Jeff George era. He’d play for the Colts franchise through 1992, earning a Pro Bowl Nod from 1986-1989.  In 1993 Ray signed with the Seahawks playing for the team through the end of the 1994 season. He’d then sign with the Dallas Cowboys, replacing departed Mark Stepnoski playing two additional seasons. Ray would experience a late career renaissance and return to the Pro Bowl in 1995 and 1996 before retiring with 17 seasons under his belt.

In 2006, Donaldson was honored with an induction into the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame.  His 184 games started ranks 4th on the Colts all time list and 1st among linemen for the franchise. A 6 time Pro Bowler Ray Donaldson lives in Indianapolis and is currently a high school football coach. He holds the odd accomplishment of being the first African-American football player to play center.

NFL

Pearson, Preston

Card: Topps 1978
Acquired: In Person 1993, South Austin Card Convention

Preston Pearson was considered ahead of his time. One of the first 3rd down scatback specialists, Pearson was originally a 12th round choice of the Baltimore Colts back in 1967. What is more amazing is that he was drafted based on his athletic skill, since he never played a down of college football at the University of Illinois.  Preston would play through 1969 with the Colts primarily as a kick returner.  In 1968 he’d return 15 kicks for 527 yards and 2 touchdowns and his 35.1 yard return average for the season is 6th all time. Preston before departing from Baltimore would play in Super Bowl III when the Colts lost to the Jets.

In 1970, Preston would sign with the Steelers.  During his tenure he’d see a career high in rushing with 605 yards rushing in 1972 and 4 touchdowns in 1974. He’d appear in SuperBowl IX with the Steelers, before signing with the Dallas Cowboys and appeared in Super Bowl XII and XIII. Over the latter half of his career the Cowboys would utilize Pearson in more of the 3rd down back role. He’d lodge career highs in receptions (47) and yards receiving (535) during his tenure with Dallas retiring after the 1980 season, finishing his career with 9841 yards from scrimmage. Among his more odd accomplishments is the fact he played for Don Shula, Tom Landry and Chuck Noll. Preston is the president of Pro-Style Associates.

G/Gp  176/N/a        Rush  941      Yds 3609      Avg  3.8     Td  13       Lg  53   |
Rec 254     Yds 3095      Avg 12.2       Td 17       Lg 61
KR  114             Yds  2801              Avg  24.6              Td  2             Lg   102