The Golden Sooner: Jim Weatherall, Oklahoma’s Lineman Legend

James Preston “Jim” Weatherall was born on October 26, 1929, in Graham, Texas. As a dominant two-way tackle, Weatherall anchored the offensive and defensive lines of one of college football’s greatest dynasties before embarking on a professional career that spanned two countries and multiple leagues. He was a versatile “ironman” whose skill set included blocking, tackling, and placekicking, making him a truly indispensable player in his era.

Per the biography post on Jim on footballfoundation.org, Weatherall was a consensus All-America in 1950 and a unanimous All-America in 1951. Jim had a nine-year pro career that spanned from 1954 to the 1962 season, playing in the CFL with Edmonton and then in the NFL with Philadelphia, Washington, and Detroit.

Jim Weatherall was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1992.

Accolades and Accomplishments

College Career (Oklahoma Sooners, 1948-1951):

• 1951 Outland Trophy Winner (Awarded to the nation’s best interior lineman)—the first OU player to win the award.
• 1951 Unanimous All-American and 1950 Consensus All-American.
• 1950 National Champion (Helped lead OU to their first national title).
• Member of OU teams that recorded a 39-4 overall record and a 31-game winning streak.
• 2-Time First-team All-Big Seven (1950, 1951).
• Also served as the team’s placekicker, finishing fifth and second in the nation in extra points scored in 1950 and 1951, respectively.
• College Football Hall of Fame Inductee (1992).

Professional Career (CFL and NFL, 1954–1960):

• Pro Teams Played On: Edmonton Eskimos (CFL/WIFU, 1954), Philadelphia Eagles (NFL, 1955–1957), Washington Redskins (NFL, 1958), Detroit Lions (NFL, 1959–1960).
• 1954 Grey Cup Champion with the Edmonton Eskimos.
• 1956 Pro Bowl selection (NFL).
• Drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the 2nd Round (17th overall) of the 1952 NFL Draft. His professional debut was postponed while he served as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Korean War.