Utility-Man Preston Pearson played 14 years in the NFL and has the distinction of playing in 5 Super Bowls for 3 different teams - the Colts in Super Bowl III, Steelers in Super Bowl IX and Cowboys in Super Bowls X, XII & XIII. Here he carries against the Vikings Jim Marshall (#70) and (looks like) Doug Sutherland (#69).
Preston Pearson carries against the Minnesota Vikings
From Super Bowl X, Dallas veteran running back Preston Pearson finds a bit a running room against Steelers linebacker Jack Ham. Pearson a touchdown against Pittsburgh but the Steelers would claim the title 21-17.
Preston Pearson carries against Jack Ham and the Pittsburgh Steelers in Super Bowl X
Colts special teams player Preston Pearson gets a chance to carry the ball against the Minnesota Vikings in 1968. While he was used almost exclusively as a Kick Returner (he scored 2 touchdowns and averaged over 35 yards a return) he occasionally (19 times) carried the ball as a runner.
The Vikings shown here are linebackers Lonnie Warwick (#59) & Wally Hilgenberg (#58) and Cornerback Ed Sharockman (#45).
Preston Pearson carries against the Minnesota Vikings in 1968
Preston Pearson, Runningback Kick Returner 1967-1980
Appeared in 5 different Super Bowls with 3 different teams. Was on the winning team twice - Once each with Pittsburgh and Dallas.
Preston Pearson
Joining the Cowboys in 1975 he became what many consider the original third down back. Equally adept at catching the ball as receiving defenses had to account for him in passing situations. He led the NFL in 1976 and 1977 in Average Yards-per-Touch with 6.0 and 6.5 averages respectively. His on-field contributions helped Dallas to 3 Super Bowl appearances.
Preston Pearson
Joining the Cowboys in 1975 he became what many consider the original third down back. Equally adept at catching the ball as receiving defenses had to account for him in passing situations. He led the NFL in 1976 and 1977 in Average Yards-per-Touch with 6.0 and 6.5 averages respectively. His on-field contributions helped Dallas to 3 Super Bowl appearances.
Preston Pearson
Joining the Cowboys in 1975 he became what many consider the original third down back. Equally adept at catching the ball as receiving defenses had to account for him in passing situations. He led the NFL in 1976 and 1977 in Average Yards-per-Touch with 6.0 and 6.5 averages respectively. His on-field contributions helped Dallas to 3 Super Bowl appearances.
Preston Pearson
Joining the Cowboys in 1975 he became what many consider the original third down back. Equally adept at catching the ball as receiving defenses had to account for him in passing situations. He led the NFL in 1976 and 1977 in Average Yards-per-Touch with 6.0 and 6.5 averages respectively. His on-field contributions helped Dallas to 3 Super Bowl appearances.
Preston Pearson
Joining the Cowboys in 1975 he became what many consider the original third down back. Equally adept at catching the ball as receiving defenses had to account for him in passing situations. He led the NFL in 1976 and 1977 in Average Yards-per-Touch with 6.0 and 6.5 averages respectively. His on-field contributions helped Dallas to 3 Super Bowl appearances.
Preston Pearson
Joining the Cowboys in 1975 he became what many consider the original third down back. Equally adept at catching the ball as receiving defenses had to account for him in passing situations. He led the NFL in 1976 and 1977 in Average Yards-per-Touch with 6.0 and 6.5 averages respectively. His on-field contributions helped Dallas to 3 Super Bowl appearances.
Preston Pearson
Joining the Cowboys in 1975 he became what many consider the original third down back. Equally adept at catching the ball as receiving defenses had to account for him in passing situations. He led the NFL in 1976 and 1977 in Average Yards-per-Touch with 6.0 and 6.5 averages respectively. His on-field contributions helped Dallas to 3 Super Bowl appearances.
Preston Pearson
A 12th-round draft pick out of University of Illinois he played 7 games a rookie primarily as a Special Teams player. By 1968 he was playing runingback and returning kicks. His 35.1 average for returning kicks was best in the league that year. He also had the longest return of the year (a 102 yards TD Return against Detroit). Remained a Colt through the 1969 season.
Preston Pearson Baltimore Colts
After 3 seasons with the Colts he joined the Steelers and played there for 5 years primarily as a kick returner and special teams player.
Preston Pearson Pittsburgh Steelers
Behind the blocking of center John Fitzgerald, guard Tom Rafferty and fullback Robert Newhouse he scores a touchdown against San Francisco in 1977. It was his second score of the of the day.
Preston Pearson Scores while Tom Rafferty and Robert Newhouse Block
His 14-year career started as a 12-round draft pick out of Illinois by the Baltimore Colts in 1967. Started 7 games on Special Teams that season. Here he is going up against veteran Dave Edwards of the Dallas Cowboys his rookie season.
Rookie Preston Pearson goes against Dave Edwards
His 14-year career started as a 12-round draft pick out of Illinois by the Baltimore Colts in 1967. Started 7 games on Special Teams that season.
Baltimore Colts Rookie Preston Pearson
A Basketball player, he never played football in college but impressed scouts with his speed and athleticism. Drafted in the 12th round and played mostly special teams for the Colts his rookie year.
Preston Pearson Baltimore Colts Rookie
Won a Super Bowl in 1977. That season he led the league with a 6.5 Yards-per-Touch Average every time he carried or caught the ball.
Preston Pearson
