Dick Jauron: A Legendary NFL Coach and Player

A Football Icon

Dick Jauron is a renowned American former professional football player and coach, best known for his illustrious career in the National Football League (NFL) as a safety and a head coach. With a playing career spanning eight seasons and a coaching career that saw him lead three different teams, Jauron has left an indelible mark on the sport.

Early Life and College Career

Born on October 7, 1950, in Peoria, Illinois, Jauron grew up in Rensselaer, Indiana, and Lynn, Massachusetts. He attended Swampscott High School, where he was a standout athlete, earning a Parade All-American selection as a senior. At Yale University, Jauron rushed for 2,947 yards in three seasons, setting a record that stood until 2000. He was a three-time All-Ivy League First-team selection and won several prestigious awards, including the Nils V. Swede Nelson Award for sportsmanship and the Bulger Lowe Award for best Division I-AA player in New England.

Playing Career

Jauron played eight seasons in the NFL as a safety, starting with the Detroit Lions (1973-1977) and then the Cincinnati Bengals (1978-1980). During his playing career, he established himself as a tough and skilled defender, earning the respect of his peers and coaches.

Coaching Career

Jauron's coaching career began in 1985 as a defensive backs coach for the Buffalo Bills. He went on to coach for several teams, including the Green Bay Packers, Cincinnati Bengals, and Jacksonville Jaguars, before becoming the head coach of the Chicago Bears (1999-2003). During his tenure, he led the team to a 13-3 record in 2001, earning him the AP Coach of the Year award. He later served as the head coach of the Buffalo Bills (2006-2009) and the interim head coach of the Detroit Lions (2005).

Awards and Honors

• AP Coach of the Year (2001)
• College Football Hall of Fame (2015)
• NFF Scholar Athlete (1972)
• Nils V. Swede Nelson Award for sportsmanship
• Bulger Lowe Award for best Division I-AA player in New England

Legacy

Dick Jauron's impressive playing and coaching career has cemented his place in the annals of NFL history. His dedication, hard work, and passion for the sport have inspired generations of players and coaches. Today, Jauron remains an iconic figure in the world of football, a testament to the enduring power of sports to shape our lives and communities.

Personal Milestones

• Born on October 7, 1950, in Peoria, Illinois
• Played college football at Yale University
• Inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2015

Trivia and Fun Facts

• Jauron was featured as the Teenage Athlete of the Month in the November 1968 issue of Sport magazine.
• He was named one of the top ten all-time Massachusetts high school football players by the Boston Globe.

By any measure, Dick Jauron is a true NFL legend, a trailblazer who has left an indelible mark on the sport he loves. His remarkable story serves as a testament to the power of hard work, dedication, and passion, inspiring future generations of players and coaches to strive for greatness.