Jimmy Sidle

Jimmy Sidle

No. 24
Position:	Running back
Personal information
Date of birth:	(1942-02-07)February 7, 1942
Place of birth:	Birmingham, Alabama
Date of death:
Height:
Weight:
Career information
High school:	L. Frazier Banks High School
College:	Auburn University
NFL draft:	1965 / Round: 4 / Pick: 47
Career history
Dallas Cowboys (1965)* Atlanta Falcons (1966) BC Lions (1967-1968)
* Offseason and/or practice squad member only
Career highlights and awards
All-American (1963) All-SEC (1963) SEC Player of the Year (1963)
Player stats at PFR

James Corbin Sidle (February 7, 1942 – November 14, 1999) was a professional American football Running back. He played college football at Auburn University and was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the 4th round (47th overall) of the 1965 NFL Draft.

Early years

Sidle attended Sylacauga High School, before transferring after his sophomore season to L. Frazier Banks High School, where as a quarterback he received All-State and All-American honors. He also practiced basketball and won the state championship in the hurdles.

He moved on to play college football at Auburn University, where the team used a running offense. In 1963, as the starting quarterback he finished second in the nation in rushing (1,006 yards) and was named first-team All-American, after leading his team to a No. 5 ranking (9-1 record) and losing to Nebraska in the Orange Bowl.

Although he was a quarterback, he still was featured on the cover of the September 21, 1964 edition of the Sports Illustrated magazine, under the title: "The Year of the Running Back". That year his team was one of the favorites to win the National Championship, but he tore the rotator cuff in his right shoulder in the season opener, playing against Houston University. He still kept playing that season after being switched to running back, but the team finished with a 6-4 record.

In 1999, he was inducted into Auburn's Tiger Trail, a walk of fame honoring former school greats. In 2002, he was inducted in the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame.

Professional career

Dallas Cowboys

Sidle was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the 4th round (47th overall) of the 1965 NFL Draft and by the New York Jets in the 9th round (68th overall) of the 1965 AFL Draft. He signed with the Cowboys and was switched to fullback, but he was lost for the year in training camp, after re-injuring the same shoulder he hurt in college. His rights were sold to the expansion team Atlanta Falcons on August 31, 1966.

Atlanta Falcons

The Atlanta Falcons first used him at running back, before switching him to tight end. He was waived on September 11, 1966 and signed to the taxi squad. He was promoted to the active roster on October 7, 1966.

BC Lions

In 1967, he signed with the BC Lions of the Canadian Football League, where he played as a tight end for 2 seasons.

Personal life

Siddle died of heart failure on November 14, 1999, after being hospitalized with pneumonia.

External links

• Alabama Sports Hall of Fame bio
• The Year of the Running Back