Wikipedia

Billy Truax

William Frederick Truax III (July 15, 1943 – January 7, 2026) was an American professional football player who was a tight end in the National Football League (NFL) for the Los Angeles Rams and Dallas Cowboys. He played college football for the Louisiana State University (LSU) Tigers. Truax was among the earliest tight ends during the 1960s to play in the style established by such tight ends as John Mackey, Mike Ditka, and Ron Kramer in being equally talented as pass receivers and powerful blockers. During Truax's prime years as a starter (1966 to 1971), his teams had a combined record of 60–20–4, went to the playoffs three times, and won Super Bowl VI. In the Cowboys' 1971 Super Bowl winning season, Truax was part of coach Tom Landry's offensive play calling system where Landry would alternate Truax and Ditka at tight end after every play to bring Landry's offensive play instructions to the Cowboys quarterback.

Billy Truax
No. 87
PositionTight end
Personal information
Born(1943-07-15)July 15, 1943
Gulfport, Mississippi, U.S.
DiedJanuary 7, 2026(2026-01-07) (aged 82)
Listed height6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)
Listed weight240 lb (109 kg)
Career information
High schoolHoly Cross (New Orleans, Louisiana)
CollegeLSU
NFL draft1964: 2nd round, 26th overall pick
AFL draft1964: 2nd round, 14th overall pick
Career history
* Offseason and/or practice squad member only
Awards and highlights
Career NFL statistics
Receptions199
Receiving yards2,458
Touchdowns17
Stats at Pro Football Reference

As a senior at LSU, playing in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), he was selected first-team All-SEC by United Press International and second-team All-SEC by the Associated Press, which also recognized Truax as an honorable mention All-American. During his three years of varsity football, the LSU Tigers won the 1963 Cotton Bowl, were ranked in the top-10 nationally twice by the Associated Press, and had a 26–6–1 overall record. In 2021, Truax was inducted into the Louisiana State University Athletic Hall of Fame.

Early life

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Truax was born on July 15, 1943, in Gulfport, Mississippi, to William Frederick Truax II and Kathleen Anna Donohoe Truax. He was the second of six children.[1] At age 12, he was enrolled in Holy Cross School, a boarding school in New Orleans from which he graduated at age 16.[1] He was a member of the football, basketball, baseball and track and field teams at Holy Cross, playing all four sports in 1959.[2] He was unable to play all four sports as a senior in 1960, missing baseball and track due to a shoulder injury.[3][4] He played as an end and kicker in football; center and forward in basketball; catcher, outfielder, third baseman and first baseman in baseball; and threw the discus on the track team (setting a discus record as a junior).[3][4]

In November 1958, the Times Picayune named the 15-year old Truax an All-Prep and All-Catholic All-Star in football, as an end.[5] As a 16-year old senior, he was 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m), and received All-State and All-Prep honors in football. In 1959, he also won All-State honors in track, and started on both the basketball and baseball teams for Holy Cross.[2][3] In February 1959, the Times-Picayune named Truax second-team All-Catholic in basketball, and third-team All-Prep in basketball.[6] The Times-Picayune selected Truax as its four-sport Athlete of the Year for 1959.[2] In 1959, he also was honorable-mention All-Southern in football.[7] He received an All-American nomination spot for Louisiana honors.[citation needed]

He led the Holy Cross basketball team to the Catholic Youth Organization tournament title in 1959, and was named the most outstanding player in that tournament.[8] He was selected to play for the South team in the high school football All-American Gridiron Classic, held in Baton Rouge in August 1960.[3] The game included top high school football players from across the United States.[9] He was also selected to play in the Louisiana High School Athletic Association All-Star Game earlier in August that year.[3]

In 1972, Truax was honored by the Holy Cross Alumni Association for his efforts in fundraising for the school and raising money for scholarships to the children of deceased Holy Cross alumni.[10]

College career

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In June 1960, Truax accepted a football scholarship from Louisiana State University (LSU). At the time he was 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) 235 lb (106.6 kg). He was personally signed by LSU head coach Paul Dietzel. In choosing to attend LSU, he turned down appointments at the United States Military Academy, United States Naval Academy, and the Air Force Academy, and scholarship offers from the University of Tennessee and University of Mississippi; stating he wanted to play on a team that could contend for a national championship and that he wanted to play for coach Dietzel.[4] As a freshman, he played on the junior varsity team and suffered a broken leg against Mississippi State University that ended his freshman season in November 1960.[11][12]

Dietzel considered redshirting Truax for the 1961 season, but changed his mind believing Truax could help them win that season.[13] LSU had a 10–1 win-loss record, and finished the season ranked No. 4 by the Associated Press (AP).[14] Truax became a starter[citation needed] as a sophomore (1961) and was mainly used as a blocker in the team's rushing attack that year and throughout his LSU career.[15] LSU gained 2,196 rushing yards during the 10-game season, and 695 passing yards. The running backs were led by Earl Gros (406 yards/4.5 yards per carry), Jerry Stovall (405 yards/6.2 yards per carry), and Bo Campbell (319 yards/6.6 yards per carry). Truax had five receptions (fifth on the team) for 61 yards (12.2 yards per reception average).[16]

During LSU's 10–7 victory over Ole Miss that season, Truax gained a critical first down for LSU by catching a fourth down pass that led to LSU's only touchdown of the game.[17] The pass was underthrown by quarterback Lynn Amedee, and Truax had to make a shoestring catch to save the play, paving the way for LSU's upset of the then No. 2 ranked Ole Miss team. Coach Dietzel said after the game, "Truax'[sic] catch won the football game . . . No one else on the team could have made that catch".[13] LSU tied Alabama for the Southeastern Conference (SEC) championship.[18] After winning 10 straight games, LSU lost in the 1962 Orange Bowl to Colorado, 25–7.[19]

In 1962, LSU's offense rushed for 1,960 yards and had 719 receiving yards during the season. Along with Stovall and Campbell, Charles Cranford and Steve Ward were the team's leading rushers. Truax had three receptions for 101 yards (third on the team), a 33.7-yards per reception average (leading the team) and one touchdown.[20] Truax had a 50-yard touchdown reception from Amedee in a late November game against Tulane.[21] The Tigers had a 9–1–1 record that season, and were ranked No. 7 by the AP.[20] LSU defeated No. 4 ranked Texas in the 1963 Cotton Bowl, 13–0.[22][23] Truax had an apparent touchdown reception erased by a penalty in the Cotton Bowl.[24]

As a senior (1963), Truax was named a team captain during the season by his teammates;[25] and after the season ended he was recognized as a permanent team captain for the 1963 LSU team, as elected by his teammates.[26][25] In 1958, coach Dietzel had created the "white unit" at LSU, consisting of the team's 11 best players who would play both offense and defense.[27] After two years at offensive end, Dietzel moved Truax up to the white unit for the 1963 season.[25] Truax led the team with 10 receptions for 112 yards (11.2 yard per reception) and one touchdown; on a team that had only 412 passing yards during the season.[28] On defense, he had two interceptions and three fumble recoveries.[15] LSU was 7–4 overall, and lost in the Bluebonnet Bowl to Baylor, 14–7.[29][28] Truax caught a pass during LSU's lone scoring drive, and also caused a fumble on defense.[30]

In 1963, Truax was an AP honorable mention All-American.[31] He was also named an All-American by The Football News.[32] United Press International named Truax first-team All-SEC as a senior,[33] and the AP named him second-team All-SEC.[34] Truax was selected to play in the Senior Bowl.[35] Truax was chosen to play in the 1964 Chicago College All-Star Game, but was unable to play because of a hamstring injury suffered during the Cleveland Browns training camp.[36]

Professional career

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Cleveland Browns

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Truax was selected by the Cleveland Browns in the second round (26th overall) of the 1964 NFL draft.[37] He also was selected by the Houston Oilers in the second round (14th overall) of the 1964 AFL draft.[38] Both the Browns and Oilers pursued Truax, who was still only 20-years old at the time. He signed with the Browns in late December 1963, after negotiating a deal with the Browns' Paul Bixler.[39]

The Browns opened their quarterback camp on July 13, 1964, with some veterans and rookies expected to attend, including Truax.[40][41] Browns' head coach Blanton Collier wanted to see rookies Truax, Paul Warfield, and Dick Van Raaphorst before they had to leave the Browns' camp on July 16 to join the college all-stars in preparing for the Chicago College All-Star Game.[40][36] On July 15 (Truax's 21st birthday), he suffered a pulled hamstring.[42] Collier had intended to try Truax at linebacker [43][40] (outside linebacker[44]) or defensive end,[40] but after the hamstring injury slowed Truax, Collier moved him to defensive end.[43] Six weeks later, on August 31, Truax was traded to the Los Angeles Rams without having played a down for the Browns, in exchange for a 1965 second round draft choice (which became the 22nd pick in the 1965 NFL draft and was used by the Browns to select Gerry Bussell).[45][46][47][48]

Los Angeles Rams

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In 1964, the Rams tried Truax at defensive end before settling him at tight end.[44] In his first season with the Rams, he played in six or 10 games, with no receptions, under head coach Harland Svare.[49][50] In 1965, he played in all 14 Rams games, starting three. He had six receptions for 108 yards,[51] including a 59-yard touchdown reception from Rams' quarterback Roman Gabriel.[52] In his first two seasons he played mainly on the special teams units.[44]

In 1966, George Allen replaced Svare as the Rams' head coach, having previously been defensive coordinator with the Chicago Bears.[53] As a defensive coordinator planning against opposing team's offenses, he had come to understand the value of tight ends who were receivers as well as blockers, like Hall of Famer John Mackey[54] and Ron Kramer; as well as observing the Bears own future Pro Football Hall of Fame tight end Mike Ditka. These receiver tight ends created pass coverage difficulties for safeties and linebackers. Allen believed Truax could be one of these receiving tight ends.[55][56]

Truax became the Rams starting tight end during training camp in 1966, after starting tight end Marlin McKeever was seriously injured in a motor vehicle accident (including the loss of a finger).[57] Truax began the season as the Rams starting tight end.[58] In the season's third game, on September 25, he had seven receptions against the Green Bay Packers for 62 yards; the most receptions and receiving yards of any Ram receiver that day (in which the Rams had only 67 net receiving yards).[59][60]

On the season, he started nine games at tight end, and McKeever started five. Truax had 29 receptions for 314 yards, and McKeever had 23 catches for 277 yards.[61] Truax's ability as a receiver in the 10-to-12 yard range kept defenses from being able to double team wide receiver Jack Snow.[44] The Rams were 8–6 on the season, finishing third in the NFL's West Division.[62] Truax's one touchdown came on a fumble recovery.[44]

The Rams traded McKeever after the 1966 season (March 1967).[63] McKeever held no ill will toward the Rams, and said at the time of the trade that the Rams' tight end position was in good hands with Truax and Hal Bedsole.[63] Truax went on to start all 14 games at tight end for the Rams in 1967.[64]

In 1967, the Rams' record improved to 11–1–2, winning first place in the Coastal Division over the Baltimore Colts (also 11–1–2); whom they beat on the last day of the regular season to win their division.[65] In discussing the improvements and success of the Rams' 1967 offense, Colts' Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback Johnny Unitas[66] was said to have attributed it to Roman Gabriel's maturing as a quarterback, Les Josephson's running, and Truax's "savage blocking and adept receptions on short throws".[67] In 1967, Truax recorded 37 receptions (tied for second on the team) for 487 yards (third on the team) and four touchdowns.[64] In the decisive Game 14 against the Colts, he had a team-high five receptions; for 51 yards and one touchdown.[68] Earlier, in a mid-October tie with the Colts, Truax led the team with six receptions; gaining 74 yards.[69] Truax had two receptions for 45 yards in the Rams 1967 divisional round playoff loss to the Packers.[70]

In 1968, although Truax was limited with a broken bone in his left wrist for most of the season,[71] he had a team-leading 35 receptions for 417 yards (fourth on the team) and three touchdowns.[72] Truax had 23 receptions through the first six games of the 1968 season, but only 12 for the remaining eight,[73] and missed some playing time.[74] In the sixth game against the Atlanta Falcons he had seven receptions for 111 yards and a touchdown; leading the team to a 6–0 record.[75] He suffered the injury in the season's seventh game, against the Colts, the Rams first loss of the season.[76] The Rams finished the season 10–3–1, second to the Colts in the Coastal Division.[77]

In 1969, Truax had 37 receptions (fourth on the team) for 431 yards (third on the team) and five touchdowns.[78] The Rams' offense was based upon a balanced passing attack, with five players having between 32 and 49 receptions.[79][78] Truax considered this season as his career-best as a blocker up to that time. He attributed some of his development as a blocker to practicing against Rams teammates Jack Pardee, Maxie Baughan, and Deacon Jones.[79] In the divisional playoff loss to the Minnesota Vikings, 23–20, Truax had a receiving touchdown and led the team with 47 receiving yards, on five receptions.[80]

In 1970, he registered 36 receptions (third on the team) for 420 yards (third on the team) and three touchdowns.[81] His best game of the season, and arguably his career, came on November 1 against the New Orleans Saints, when he had 124 yards on six receptions.[82][83] On May 19, 1971, Truax was traded along with wide receiver Wendell Tucker to the Dallas Cowboys in exchange for wide receiver Lance Rentzel.[84]

Dallas Cowboys

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In 1971, Truax was limited with torn cartilage in his left knee that would require surgery after the season ended.[85] He still played in 12 games (10 starts). The starting tight end in the other four games was 11-year veteran and future Pro Football Hall of Fame tight end Mike Ditka.[86][87][56][88] Cowboys coach Tom Landry called the team's offensive plays by alternately sending Truax and Ditka into the game before each play to tell the quarterbacks Roger Staubach or Craig Morton what play to call.[85][87]

Truax only had 15 receptions for 232 yards and one touchdown, but was a part of the Cowboys' Super Bowl VI championship team.[87][89] Truax had two receptions for 43 yards in the Cowboys' NFC Championship Game victory over the San Francisco 49ers.[90] He continued alternating with Ditka to bring in Landry's plays through the Super Bowl, which was played in New Orleans that year, making the victory even more gratifying to Truax. He humorously said after the game, "Everything went right, I think you'd have to say that Landry is one of the all-time great quarterbacks".[91] When giving speeches after that Super Bowl victory, Staubach himself would jokingly begin "'I keep waiting for Billy Truax or Mike Ditka to arrive with my speech'".[92]

In 1972, Truax had a difficult time recovering after his off-season knee surgery.[93] He played in only six games, with four receptions for 49 yards on the entire season; three of those coming in a September 24 game against the New York Giants.[94][95] Truax was not on the active roster after October 22.[95] Even before that, Landry began using rookie tight end Jean Fugett to alternate with Ditka in Landry's play-calling messenger system that season.[93][96] Ditka reportedly started all 14 games at tight end for the Cowboys that season (his last in the NFL),[97][98] but it has also been reported that Fugett also started for the Cowboys in 1972.[99]

In 1973, the Cowboys drafted tight end Billy Joe DuPree in the first round.[100] After clearing waivers, on September 5, Truax was assigned to the Cowboys' taxi squad.[101] He missed most of the season because of a stomach disorder (ulcer)[102][103] and appeared in only two games for the Cowboys (September 16 and September 24) without registering any statistics.[104][105] He was placed on the injured reserve list on October 26, ending his season.[106][107][104] Truax was not re-signed after the season.

Over his 10-year NFL career, Truax started 78 games, with 199 receptions for 2,458 yards and 17 touchdowns.[108] During his five seasons starting for the Rams (1966 to 1970), the team was 49–17–4.[109] In his one season starting the majority of games for the Cowboys, and sharing tight end responsibilities with Mike Ditka, the team was 11–3 and won the Super Bowl.[87]

New York Giants and World Football League

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On April 15, 1974, it was reported that Truax was signed as a free agent by the New York Giants.[110][111] Within a few days, howerer, Truax denied he had signed with the Giants and said he was still a free agent. Truax stated that he was in contact with several World Football League teams.[112] He had been drafted by the Portland Storm of the new league in March 1974.[113] He did not play for the Giants or Portland in 1974.[114][115]

Legacy and honors

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Truax's receptions in the NFL were typically in the 10-to-15 yard range, in the middle of the field, while knowing he would be hit hard by a defensive player. When asked how he was able to consistently make these catches in such difficult circumstances, he said "It's mostly concentration, keeping loose and disciplining yourself to ignore the smashing tackle you know is coming".[79] He had a variety of nicknames in the NFL. On the Rams he was known as Bluto, "The Giraffe", and "The Neck". Opposing linebackers called him "The Spear" because of the way he used his helmet in blocking them.[44] Associated Press sportswriter Bob Myers once described Truax's neck as being comparable in size to the Rams 300 lb (136.1 kg) defensive tackle Roger Brown's thigh.[67][116] In Dallas, he was also referred to as "The Tree".[117]

According to the son of Rams head coach George Allen, former U. S. Senator George Allen, coach Allen had "'much affection, gratitude and love for Billy Truax'". He found that "Truax was consistently a humble, beloved teammate and player who always did his job with cheer, perseverance, 110% effort and attention to every detail that my father tried to get from every player, coach and staff member'".[55]

In 2019, Truax was inducted into the Sugar Bowl's Greater New Orleans Sports Hall of Fame.[118][15] In 2021, he was inducted into the Louisiana State University Athletic Hall of Fame.[55] In 2015, he was inducted into the Holy Cross School Sports Hall of Fame.[119][1]

Personal life and death

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After graduating from Holy Cross in 1960, he worked on an oil rig for a time.[3] His cousin Dalton Truax[120] played offensive tackle in the American Football League for the Oakland Raiders in 1960.[121] In 1974, he lived with his wife and three children in Dallas, working with James L. Terry Investments.[122] He later established Truax Investments and had a career as a commercial real estate broker and developer.[1] His son Chris was a guard for four years on LSU's football team, including the 1988 SEC Championship team. Chris Truax later became the offensive line coach at McNeese State University.[55][123]

After Hurricane Katrina in 2005, Truax moved to Kearney, Nebraska, where he had family members nearby.[55] Truax died in Denton, Texas on January 7, 2026, at the age of 82.[119][1] He was predeceased by two grandchildren and survived by his three children and seven other grandchildren.[1]

NFL career statistics

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Legend
Won the Super Bowl
Bold Career high

Regular season

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Year Team Games Receiving
GPGSRecYdsAvgLngTD
1964RAM 101000.000
1965RAM 142610818.0591
1966RAM 1472931410.8210
1967RAM 14143748713.2414
1968RAM 14123541711.9223
1969RAM 14133743111.6495
1970RAM 14143642011.7343
1971DAL 12101523215.5251
1972DAL 6044912.3180
1973DAL 20000.000
114731992,45812.45917

Playoffs

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Year Team Games Receiving
GPGSRecYdsAvgLngTD
1967RAM 1124522.5310
1969RAM 115479.4181
1971DAL 3024321.5220
1972DAL 20122.020
721013713.7311

References

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  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "William Frederick Truax III Obituary Jan 7, 2026". Riemann Family Funeral Homes. Retrieved June 18, 2026.
  2. 1 2 3 Wicker, N. Charles (December 27, 1959). "Billy Truas Voted T–P Prep Athlete of Year". The Times-Picayune (New Orleans, Louisiana). pp. Six, Sec. Six.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Wicker, N. Charles (July 31, 1960). "Billy Truax to Play with South in Aug. 20 Classic". The Times-Picayune (New Orleans, Louisiana). pp. Seven, Sec. Six.
  4. 1 2 3 "Billy Truax Signs Grant-In-Aid Pact With LSU Bengals". The Daily Herald (Gulfport and Biloxi, Mississippi). June 15, 1960. pp. Twenty–Two.
  5. ↑ Wicker, N. Charles (November 30, 1958). "Jays, Eagles Place 4 Each on TP All-Prep". The Times-Picayune (New Orleans, Louisiana). pp. Six, Sec. Six.
  6. ↑ Wicker, N. Charles (February 22, 1959). "Catholic Trio, Two Public Aces on T P All-Prep". The Times-Picayune (New Orleans, Louisiana). pp. Five, Sec. Six.
  7. ↑ Wicker, N. Charles (December 20, 1959). "Screen, Randle Selected for All-Southern Spots". The Times-Picayune (New Orleans, Louisiana). pp. Six, Sec. Six.
  8. ↑ Wicker, N. Charles (December 29, 1959). "Holy Cross Captures First CYO Cage Tourney". The Times-Picayune (New Orleans, Louisiana). pp. Ten, Sec. Two.
  9. ↑ "All-American Players Listed". Daily World (Opelousas, Louisiana). August 14, 1960. p. 30.
  10. ↑ "Billy Truax Receives Award From Holy Cross". The St. Bernard Voice (Arabi, Louisiana). February 4, 1972. pp. 3, Sec. 2.
  11. ↑ "Baby Bengals, Billow Battle on Big Friday". November 25, 1960. Retrieved January 6, 2020.
  12. ↑ Devenport, Ed (November 25, 1960). "Tulane, LSU Frosh in Battle Tonight". The Times-Picayune (New Orleans, Louisiana). pp. Ten–Eleven, Sec. Two.
  13. 1 2 "Soph End's Pass Catch Big Play In LSU's Win". San Angelo Standard Times (San Angelo, Texas). Associated Press. November 6, 1961. pp. 5B.
  14. ↑ "1961 College Football Polls". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved June 19, 2026.
  15. 1 2 3 "Billy Truax – New Orleans Sports Hall of Fame". Sugar Bowl. Retrieved June 19, 2026.
  16. ↑ "1961 LSU Fighting Tigers Stats". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved June 19, 2026.
  17. ↑ Nealon, Clark (November 5, 1961). "Fanatical Bengals Bury Rebels, 10–7". The Houston Post. pp. 1, 5, Sec. 8.
  18. ↑ "1961 Southeastern Conference Year Summary". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved June 19, 2026.
  19. ↑ "Orange Bowl - LSU vs Colorado Box Score, January 1, 1962". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved June 19, 2026.
  20. 1 2 "1962 LSU Fighting Tigers Stats". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved June 19, 2026.
  21. ↑ Miles, Ed (November 25, 1962). "LSU Takes to Air To Top Wave, 38–3". The Atlanta Journal and Constitution. p. 50.
  22. ↑ "Cotton Bowl - Texas vs LSU Box Score, January 1, 1963". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved June 19, 2026.
  23. ↑ "1962 College Football Polls". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved June 19, 2026.
  24. ↑ Ratliff, Harold V. (January 2, 1963). "LSU Does As Coach Predicts, Takes to Air to Beat Texas". The Abilene Reporter-News (Abilene, Texas). Associated Press. pp. 14A.
  25. 1 2 3 Montet, Bud (November 22, 1963). "Bengals Prepare for Tilt With Tulane". Morning Advocate (Baton Rouge, Louisiana). pp. 2–C.
  26. ↑ "Billy Truax Named LSU 1963 Football Captain". McComb Enterprise-Journal (McComb, Mississippi). Associated Press. p. 8.
  27. ↑ Ragsdale Jr., W. B. (November 3, 1958). "LSU Not Thinking About Bowl". Waterloo Daily Courier (Waterloo, Iowa). Associated Press. pp. Fourteen.
  28. 1 2 "1963 LSU Fighting Tigers Stats". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved June 19, 2026.
  29. ↑ "Bluebonnet Bowl - LSU vs Baylor Box Score, December 21, 1963". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved June 19, 2026.
  30. ↑ "Trull's Passing Leads Bears To 14–7 Win In Bluebonnet". Vicksburg Sunday Post (Vicksburg, Mississippi). Associated Press. December 22, 1963. pp. Fourteen.
  31. ↑ "1963 AP All-American Honor Roll". Wichita Falls Record News (Wichita Falls, Texas). Associated Press. December 6, 1963. pp. 2B.
  32. ↑ "Football News Announces All-American Grid Squad". The Saginaw News (Saginaw, Michigan). United Press International. November 26, 1963. pp. 5, Sec. B.
  33. ↑ "Tigers' Truax Makes All-SEC 1st Team". Alexandria Daily Town Talk (Alexandria-Pineville, Louisiana). November 26, 1963. pp. Ten.
  34. ↑ Barron, Mike (December 2, 1963). "Ole Miss Lands 3 On All-SEC Team". The Biloxi-Gulfport Daily Herald (Biloxi, Mississippi). Associated Press. p. 25.
  35. ↑ "Adams, Todd Named To Senior Bowl Squad". The Register (Danville, Virginia). Associated Press. December 20, 1963. pp. 9–A.
  36. 1 2 "Renfro Added To College All-Star Game Lineup". The Arizona Daily Star (Tucson, Arizona). Associated Press. July 25, 1964. pp. Three, Sec. B.
  37. ↑ "1964 NFL Draft Listing". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved June 19, 2026.
  38. ↑ "1964 AFL Draft Listing". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved June 19, 2026.
  39. ↑ "Billy Truax Signs Pact With Browns". Morning Advocate (Baton Rouge, Louisiana). Associated Press. December 28, 1963. pp. 2–B.
  40. 1 2 3 4 "Grid Browns Open Camp Monday". The Scrantonian (Scranton, Pennsylvania). United Press International. July 12, 1964. p. 42.
  41. ↑ Hand, Jack (July 14, 1964). "Pro Gridders Open Training". Progress-Bulletin (Pomona, California). Associated Press. pp. 8, Sec. 2.
  42. ↑ "Quarterback Leaves Browns Training Camp". The Clarion-Ledger (Jackson, Mississippi). Associated Press. July 16, 1964. pp. 2D.
  43. 1 2 "Bill Truax Traded By Cleveland". Urbana Daily Citizen (Urbana, Ohio). United Press International. September 1, 1964. pp. Six.
  44. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Murray, Jim (December 24, 1972). "Grid Coaches Overlook 'The Giraffe'". The Sunday Star-Bulletin & Advertiser (Honolulu, Hawaii). The Los Angeles Times. pp. B–6.
  45. ↑ "Browns trade rookie Traux". September 1964. Retrieved January 6, 2020.
  46. ↑ "Rams Trade For Browns' Truax". The Register (Santa Ana, California). Associated Press. September 1, 1964. pp. B8.
  47. ↑ "Rams Draft Williams". Independent Star-News (Pasadena, California). Associated Press. November 29, 1964. pp. A–1.
  48. ↑ "1965 NFL Draft Listing". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved June 19, 2026.
  49. ↑ "1964 Los Angeles Rams Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved June 19, 2026.
  50. ↑ "Billy Truax 1964 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved June 19, 2026.
  51. ↑ "1965 Los Angeles Rams Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved June 19, 2026.
  52. ↑ "Los Angeles Rams at St. Louis Cardinals - December 5th, 1965". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved June 19, 2026.
  53. ↑ "Bears' Coach George Allen Named Head Coach At Los Angeles". The Greenville News (Greenville, South Carolina). Associated Press. January 11, 1966. pp. Six.
  54. ↑ Fame, Pro Football Hall of (February 10, 2026). "John Mackey". Pro Football Hall of Fame. Retrieved June 19, 2026.
  55. 1 2 3 4 5 "2021 LSU Athletics Hall of Fame Induction Class: Billy Truax". LSU. November 5, 2021. Retrieved June 19, 2026.
  56. 1 2 Fame, Pro Football Hall of (February 10, 2026). "Mike Ditka". Pro Football Hall of Fame. Retrieved June 19, 2026.
  57. ↑ "McKeever Plans To Return To Rams' Camp This Week". The Daily Sun (San Bernadino, California). Associated Press. August 23, 1966. pp. A–9.
  58. ↑ "Los Angeles Rams at Atlanta Falcons - September 11th, 1966". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved June 19, 2026.
  59. ↑ "Los Angeles Rams at Green Bay Packers - September 25th, 1966". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved June 19, 2026.
  60. ↑ Daley, Art (September 26, 1966). "Packers Beat Rams, Take Undisputed Western Lead". The Post-Crescent (Appleton, Wisconsin). pp. B5, B7.
  61. ↑ "1966 Los Angeles Rams Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved June 19, 2026.
  62. ↑ "1966 NFL Standings & Team Stats". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved June 19, 2026.
  63. 1 2 "'Mixed Emotions' In McKeever Deal". Daily Sun Post (San Clemente, California). Associated Press. March 15, 1967. p. 8.
  64. 1 2 "1967 Los Angeles Rams Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved June 19, 2026.
  65. ↑ "1967 NFL Standings & Team Stats". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved June 19, 2026.
  66. ↑ Fame, Pro Football Hall of (February 10, 2026). "Johnny Unitas". Pro Football Hall of Fame. Retrieved June 19, 2026.
  67. 1 2 Myers, Bob (December 20, 1967). "Billy Truax Sometimes Forgotten Man Of Rams". The Register-News (Mount Vernon, Illinois). Associated Press. p. 12.
  68. ↑ "Baltimore Colts at Los Angeles Rams - December 17th, 1967". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved June 19, 2026.
  69. ↑ "Los Angeles Rams at Baltimore Colts - October 15th, 1967". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved June 19, 2026.
  70. ↑ "Divisional Round - Los Angeles Rams at Green Bay Packers - December 23rd, 1967". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved June 19, 2026.
  71. ↑ Oates, Bob (December 15, 1968). "Rams Fall Short in Standings but Not in TV Ratings". The Los Angeles Times. pp. 5, Sec. D.
  72. ↑ "1968 Los Angeles Rams Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved June 19, 2026.
  73. ↑ "Billy Truax 1968 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved June 19, 2026.
  74. ↑ Wilson, Darrell (November 15, 1968). "49ers to Start Phillips, Hardy". San Francisco Chronicle. p. 52.
  75. ↑ "Atlanta Falcons at Los Angeles Rams - October 20th, 1968". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved June 19, 2026.
  76. ↑ Oates, Bob (October 29, 1968). "Colts Won Because They Just Had To". San Francisco Chronicle. Times-Post Service. p. 48.
  77. ↑ "1968 NFL Standings & Team Stats". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved June 19, 2026.
  78. 1 2 "1969 Los Angeles Rams Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved June 19, 2026.
  79. 1 2 3 Williams, Coy (November 7, 1969). "Rams: A Perfectly Balanced Team". San Fernado Valley Times. p. 12.
  80. ↑ "Divisional Round - Los Angeles Rams at Minnesota Vikings - December 27th, 1969". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved June 19, 2026.
  81. ↑ "1970 Los Angeles Rams Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved June 19, 2026.
  82. ↑ "Los Angeles Rams at New Orleans Saints - November 1st, 1970". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved June 19, 2026.
  83. ↑ "Billy Truax 1970 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved June 19, 2026.
  84. ↑ "Cowboys Trade Rentzel, 3 Others In Shakeup". Retrieved January 6, 2020.
  85. 1 2 "Billy Truax Doesn't Mind Being Cowboys' Messenger". The News and Observer (Raleigh, North Carolina). Associated Press. December 29, 1971. p. 17.
  86. ↑ "Billy Truax Happy With New Status". December 29, 1971. Retrieved January 6, 2020.
  87. 1 2 3 4 "1971 Dallas Cowboys Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved June 19, 2026.
  88. ↑ "Mike Ditka Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved June 19, 2026.
  89. ↑ "Super Bowl VI - Dallas Cowboys vs. Miami Dolphins - January 16th, 1972". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved June 19, 2026.
  90. ↑ "NFC Championship - San Francisco 49ers at Dallas Cowboys - January 2nd, 1972". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved June 19, 2026.
  91. ↑ Ostrum, Bob (January 17, 1972). "Hail to the 'Super' Champs". San Antonio Light (San Antonio, Texas). pp. 1–D.
  92. ↑ "Where's Roger's Shuttle?". The Evening Press (Binghamton, New York). March 14, 1972. pp. 4–B.
  93. 1 2 Kaye, Roger (October 26, 1972). "Receiver Shakeup Again". Fort Worth Star-Telegram (Fort Worth, Texas). pp. One–Two, Sec. D.
  94. ↑ "Dallas Cowboys at New York Giants - September 24th, 1972". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved June 19, 2026.
  95. 1 2 "Billy Truax 1972 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved June 19, 2026.
  96. ↑ O'Gara, Roger (November 12, 1972). "Some New England football pros, plus two Bucknell ringers". The Berkshire Eagle (Pittsfield, Massachusetts). p. 13.
  97. ↑ "1972 Dallas Cowboys Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved June 19, 2026.
  98. ↑ "Mike Ditka Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved June 19, 2026.
  99. ↑ Harris, Larry (November 23, 1972). "Stars Unlimited". The Charlotte News (Charlotte, North Carolina). pp. 26A.
  100. ↑ "1973 NFL Draft Listing". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved June 19, 2026.
  101. ↑ "Football, NFL, Wednesday's Transactions". St. Petersburg Times (St. Petersburg, Florida). September 6, 1973. pp. 2–C.
  102. ↑ "Ankle Injury Might Ruin Otto's Season". October 30, 1973. Retrieved January 6, 2020.
  103. ↑ "Walking Wounded Numerous". Denton Record-Chronicle (Denton, Texas). United Press International. October 30, 1973. pp. 1B.
  104. 1 2 "1973 Dallas Cowboys Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved June 19, 2026.
  105. ↑ "Billy Truax 1973 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved June 19, 2026.
  106. ↑ "Transactions". October 27, 1973. Retrieved January 6, 2020.
  107. ↑ "Pro Grid Transactions". The Indianapolis Star. October 27, 1973. p. 34.
  108. ↑ "Billy Truax Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved June 19, 2026.
  109. ↑ "Los Angeles Rams Team Records, Leaders, and League Ranks". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved June 20, 2026.
  110. ↑ "Giants Sign Free Agents". April 16, 1974. Retrieved January 6, 2020.
  111. ↑ "Giants Sign Billy Truax". Monroe Morning-World (Monroe, Louisiana). Associated Press. April 16, 1974. pp. Ten–A.
  112. ↑ "'World' Adds NFL Names". The Cincinnati Enquirer. April 18, 1974. p. 56.
  113. ↑ "Portland 'Storm' brewing". The Colombian (Vancouver, Washington). Associated Press. March 19, 1974. p. 10.
  114. ↑ "1974 New York Giants Roster & Players". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved June 19, 2026.
  115. ↑ "1974 Portland Storm Roster". StatsCrew.com.
  116. ↑ "Roger Brown Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved June 20, 2026.
  117. ↑ Freeman, Denne (January 7, 1972). "Denne Freeman, Texas Sports Editor, Associated Press". South Texas Caller (Corpus Christi, Texas), Cowboys Insiders Newsletter Vol. 2, No. 25. p. 10.
  118. ↑ "Former TE Billy Truax To Enter NOLA Sports Hall of Fame". July 15, 2019. Retrieved January 6, 2020.
  119. 1 2 Vangilder, Lenny (January 7, 2026). "Hall of Fame tight end Billy Truax dies at 82". crescentcitysports.com. Retrieved January 7, 2026.
  120. ↑ Wicker, N. Charles (January 5, 1958). "Public, Catholic School Quints Open Season Jan. 16–17". The Times-Picayune (New Orleans, Louisiana). pp. Five, Sec. Six.
  121. ↑ "Dalton Truax Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved June 19, 2026.
  122. ↑ "Billy Truax Set To Speak In Longview". The Longview Daily News (Longview, Texas). August 26, 1974. pp. 3–A.
  123. ↑ "Chris Truax - Assistant Coach - OL - Football Coaches". McNeese State University Athletics. Retrieved June 19, 2026.
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