John Gilliam

  A second round draft pick, rookie Gilliam had a couple of key moments in that inaugural New Orleans Saints season of 1967 in addition to the opening kick touchdown. Against Philadelphia, the first ever win in Saints History, he had a 57-yard kickoff return to silence a late Eagles rally. In the second victory against the Atlanta Falcons he hauled in a 34-yard pass from Billy Kilmer on the game’s winning drive. In 1969 he was traded to St. Louis and then joined the Vikings in 1972 where he made 4 Pro Bowls. He ended his 10-year career back in New Orleans wanting to retire as a Saint.

After his time with the Saints Gilliam joined the Cardinals and spent 3 seasons there. He put rather impressive numbers averaging 20.0 yards a catch with almost 2800 yards and 17 touchdowns.

John Gilliam New Orleans Saints Rookie Receiver 1967
John Gilliam

After his time with St. Louis he joined the Minnesota Vikings in 1972 and became an immediate threat to opposing defenses. Teaming up with Hall of Fame Quarterback Fran Tarkington Gilliam managed 4 consecutive Pro Bowl appearances. His numbers as a Viking – 165 catches – 3297 yards – 20.0 yard average and 27 touchdowns. He also scored 1 touchdown rushing, a 44-yard run against the Eagles in 1973.

Image Gallery of Wide Receiver/Kick Returner John Gilliam

Football Cards

John Gilliam All-Time Career Statistics

Regular Season Receiving & Rushing Totals
Year Age Team # Games Catches Yards Y/R Long TD
1967 22 NOR 42 13 22 264 12.0 35 1
1968 23 NOR 42 14 24 284 11.8 39 0
1969 24 STL 44 14 52 997 19.2 84 9
1970 25 STL 44 14 45 952 21.2 79 5
1971 26 STL 44 14 42 837 19.9 54 3
1972* 27 MIN 42 14 47 1035 22.0 66 7
1973* 28 MIN 42 14 42 907 21.6 54 8
1974* 29 MIN 42 14 26 578 22.2 80 5
1975* 30 MIN 42 14 50 777 15.5 46 7
1976 31 ATL 42 14 21 292 13.9 49 2
1977 32 2TM 12 11 133 12.1 23 1
CHI 82 2 0
NOR 41 10 11 133 12.1 23 1
4 seasons Vikings 56 165 3297 20.0 80 27
3 seasons Saints 37 57 681 11.9 39 2
3 seasons Cardinals 42 139 2786 20.0 84 17
1 season Falcons 14 21 292 13.9 49 2
2 Games Bears 2 0
11 Year NFL Career 151 382 7056 18.5 84 48
Post Season Totals
Year Age Team Games Catches Yds Y/R Long TD
1973* 28 MIN 3 8 143 17.9 54 3
1974* 29 MIN 3 5 103 20.6 38 2
1975* 30 MIN 1 1 15 15.0 15 0
Total Post Season 7 14 261 18.6 54 5
Kick & Punt Return Totals
Punt Returns Kick Returns All-PurposeYards
Year Age Team # Games Returns Yards Long Y/R TD Rt Yds Lng Y/Rt TD
1967 22 NOR 42 13 7 13 8 1.9 0 16 481 94 30.1 1 799
1968 23 NOR 42 14 15 60 21 4.0 0 15 328 48 21.9 0 708
1969 24 STL 44 14 0 11 339 100 30.8 1 1332
1970 25 STL 44 14 0 5 107 26 21.4 0 1127
1971 26 STL 44 14 1 21 21 21.0 0 0 874
1972* 27 MIN 42 14 0 14 369 47 26.4 0 1431
1973* 28 MIN 42 14 0 10 174 29 17.4 0 1152
1974* 29 MIN 42 14 0 3 86 31 28.7 0 680
4 seasons Vikings 56 0 27 629 47 23.3 0 4075
3 seasons Saints 37 22 73 21 3.3 0 31 809 94 26.1 1 1640
3 seasons Cardinals 42 1 21 21 21.0 0 16 446 100 27.9 1 3333
1 season Falcons 14 0 0 292
2 games Bears 2 0 0 0
11 Year NFL Career 151 23 94 21 4.1 0 74 1884 100 25.5 2 9340
  • * – Pro Bowl Selection
  • ♦ – Led the League

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  1. James Montagna July 28, 2021 Reply

    John Gilliam was a favorite of mine as young Vikings fan in 1974. I remember he had great speed and hands, Gilliam was also playing with a chip on his shoulder. He was tough and he let DB’s know vwhen he scored and it was #42 who beat them. Tremendous receiver. I thought Gilliam and Jim Lash were tremendously gifted and since the Vikings threw so often to their RB’s, I believe his numbers could have been much better. He should be seriously considered for the HOF.

phil

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