He was a standout linebacker in the NFL, playing for 10 seasons across five different teams. His professional journey began when he was selected as the fifth-overall pick in the first round of the 1970 NFL Draft by the Buffalo Bills—a major moment that set the stage for his career. Before making a name for himself on the national stage, he actually shared the field with O.J. Simpson at multiple levels: high school, college, and even professionally, which is pretty remarkable when you think about it. Born in San Francisco, California, back in 1947, he grew up in an era of change and developed a passion for football early on. Over the years, he built a solid reputation—not just because of his draft status, but because of his consistent performance and ability to adapt across teams. He truly made a mark during his time in the league, and his story remains one of dedication and perseverance.
He was the one behind the wheel of O.J. Simpson’s white Ford Bronco during that infamous 1994 low-speed police chase—remember, the whole nation seemed to be watching, with nearly 95 million people tuned in. At the time, O.J. Simpson was nowhere near ready to turn himself in, clearly anxious about facing charges tied to the alleged murder of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson. It was O.J. Simpson’s name that dominated headlines, and the image of that slow-moving Bronco became instantly iconic. All eyes were on O.J. Simpson that day, as the drama unfolded live on television.