Former NFL running back and kick returner Johnny Bailey died Thursday of pancreatic cancer. He was 43.
In a six-year career with the Bears, Cardinals and Rams, Bailey was twice among the top 10 players in the league in all-purpose yards. In 1992 he led the league in punt return average and was selected to the Pro Bowl as a return man.
“He created swagger before it became a popular term,” said Santana Dotson, a high school teammate of Bailey’s who also played in the NFL. “It was understood that he was going to make the play and going to do whatever it took.”
Bailey is a member of the College Football Hall of Fame and the only three-time winner of the Harlon Hill Trophy, which goes to the best player in Division II college football.
