Jim Dunaway

Jim Dunaway was an American football player who made a significant impact on the game during his time with the Buffalo Bills in the American Football League (AFL) in the 1960s. He was born on October 27, 1941, in Columbia, Tennessee, and grew up in Nashville. Dunaway played college football at the University of Mississippi, where he was a standout defensive tackle and helped lead the Rebels to the 1960 national championship.

In 1963, Dunaway was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the second round of the AFL draft. He quickly became a key member of the Bills’ defense, helping them win back-to-back AFL championships in 1964 and 1965. Dunaway was known for his physical play and was a dominant force on the defensive line. He was named to the AFL All-Star team five times and was a two-time first-team All-Pro. Dunaway’s best season with the Bills came in 1967, when he recorded 10 sacks and was named the AFL’s Defensive Player of the Year.

Dunaway played nine seasons in the AFL, all with the Bills, and retired after the 1971 season. He finished his career with 37.5 sacks and 14 fumble recoveries. He was also known for his durability, as he played in 119 out of a possible 126 games during his career. He finished up his career in Miami in 1972 after being traded from the Bills and played 6 games before being sidelined with a back injury.

After retiring from football, Dunaway worked in the insurance industry and served as a color analyst for the University of Tennessee football radio broadcasts. He was inducted into the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame in 1988.

In conclusion, Jim Dunaway was a dominant defensive tackle during his time with the Buffalo Bills in the AFL. He was a key member of the Bills’ championship teams in the mid-1960s and was one of the most physical and intimidating players of his era. His contributions to the Bills’ success have not been forgotten, and he will always be remembered as one of the greatest players in AFL history.

 


Image Gallery of Jim Dunaway, Defensive Tackle 1963-1972


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Owner/Operator of NFL Past Players. Also runs New Orleans Saints History