Image Gallery of John Gilliam, Receiver/Kick Returner 1967-1977
Cardinals receiver John Gilliam had a career day against the Steelers in 1969 when he turned out a 10 catch, 197 yard and 1 touchdown day. Cardinals won 27-14.
From South Carolina State, the Saints 2nd round pick in 1967.
Early AFL/NFL Inter League preseason action. Second-year receiver John Gilliam of the Saints battles for a pass against Jay Cunningham of the Boston Patriots in this picture from 1968.
Saints rookie John Gilliam takes the 1967 season opening day kickoff 94 yards for the first ever touchdown in New Orleans franchise history. Willie Daniels (#46) of the Rams tries in vain to keep up.
The first ever play in New Orleans Saints history - a 94-yard kickoff return touchdown by 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.
The Rookie takes Bruce Gossett's kickoff to the house as he leaves Ram players behind. It was a most dramatic start to the New Orleans Saints existence in the NFL.
A track star at South Carolina State he was once clocked at 9.1 in the 100-yard dash. That was but 4-tenths of a second off the world record set by Bob Hayes. He was chosen in the second round of the 1967 draft by the expansion New Orleans Saints.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
For some good additional information on John Gilliam:
Underrated Vikings: John Gilliam
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.