Craig Baynham

Gordon Craig Baynham (born July 24, 1944 in Casper, Wyoming) is a former American football running back in the National Football League for the Dallas Cowboys, Chicago Bears, and the St. Louis Cardinals. He played college football at Georgia Tech and was drafted in the 12th round of the 1966 NFL Draft.

Early years

Baynham attended North Augusta High School. After playing in only two games as a junior, he had an excellent senior season, that earned him the opportunity to play in the South Carolina All-Star game, where he suffered a knee injury.

As a freshman at Georgia Tech, besides dealing with his knee rehab, he also broke his arm playing against Clemson University. As a sophomore during the fall, he injured the same knee and required surgery.^[1] He enjoyed a healthy season as a junior, only to suffer a separated shoulder during his last year in college, that ended up limiting his playing efficiency.^[2]

Professional career

Dallas Cowboys

Baynham was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the twelfth round of the 1966 NFL Draft with a future pick, which allowed the team to draft him before his college eligibility was over. As a rookie in 1967, because of his speed, he was listed as a split end behind Bob Hayes.^[3] He also replaced an injured Dan Reeves in the Eastern Conference Championship game against the Cleveland Browns, scoring 3 touchdowns.^[4]

In 1968, Reeves was the starter at halfback, until week 4 when he tore ligaments in his right knee and was lost for the year. Baynham took over starting 8 games and had his best season in the NFL,^[5] registering 438 rushing yards, 29 receptions for 380 yards and 8 touchdowns.

In 1969, with Reeves struggling after having off-season knee surgery and Baynham suffering from bruised ribs,^[6] it opened the door for rookie Calvin Hill to win the starting halfback job in the second preseason game.^[7]

On January 26, 1970, he was traded to the Chicago Bears along with cornerback Phil Clark, in exchange for a second round draft choice (used to draft Bob Asher).^[8]

Chicago Bears

In 1970, he played in 5 games before dislocating a tendon in his ankle.^[9] On August 17, 1971, he broke a left wrist in practice that sidelined him for a month.^[10] On September 13, Baynham was waived injured after suffering torn ligaments in his right shoulder during a practice.^[11]

St. Louis Cardinals

On May 3, 1972 after a year out of football, the St. Louis Cardinals claimed him on waivers from the Chicago Bears, but would miss half the season with a shoulder injury. On June 9, 1973, he announced his retirement.^[12]

Personal life

His son, Grant Baynham, played for the Georgia Tech as well, receiving the Robert Cup, an award given to school's top student athlete.^[13]

References