John Gilliam is a former NFL wide receiver who played for several teams during the 1960s and 1970s, including the Minnesota Vikings and the New Orleans Saints. He is best remembered for his explosive speed and ability to stretch the field as a deep threat. Here’s a detailed biography of John Gilliam:

Early Life and College Career

Full Name: John Leonard Gilliam
Born: October 17, 1945, in Lucedale, Mississippi
High School: Gilliam attended Lucedale High School in Lucedale, Mississippi, where he was a standout athlete in multiple sports, including football.

College:

• Gilliam played college football at Jackson State University in Jackson, Mississippi, where he was a dynamic wide receiver and return specialist.
• His playmaking ability at Jackson State, particularly his speed and deep-threat capability, helped him gain recognition from NFL scouts.
• Gilliam’s college career set the foundation for his future success in the NFL, earning him a reputation as a player who could stretch the field and make big plays.

NFL Career

NFL Draft:

• John Gilliam was selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the 8th round (191st overall) of the 1967 NFL Draft.

Minnesota Vikings (1967–1969)

• Gilliam began his NFL career with the Minnesota Vikings, where he played for three seasons from 1967 to 1969.
• In his first season (1967), he was primarily used as a return specialist and a backup wide receiver. While his role was limited, he showed flashes of the speed and playmaking ability that would define his career.
• Over the next few seasons, Gilliam’s role expanded, and he became a regular contributor on the field as a wide receiver. He was known for his ability to stretch defenses with his deep speed and create big plays for the Vikings’ offense.
• Gilliam was a valuable part of the Vikings’ offense during this time, and while the team had a strong running game and defense, his ability to make key catches and stretch the field helped add balance to the attack.

New Orleans Saints (1970–1974)

• In 1970, Gilliam was selected by the New Orleans Saints in the NFL Expansion Draft after the team was established as an expansion franchise.
• Gilliam quickly became a star for the Saints, as he was one of the team’s first notable offensive weapons. He was an immediate standout as the Saints’ primary deep threat and a favorite target in their passing attack.
• His best season came in 1970, his first year with the Saints, when he set a team record for most receiving yards in a single season, earning Pro Bowl honors for his efforts.
• Gilliam’s speed and playmaking ability helped the Saints become a competitive team in their early years, even though they were still building their roster.
• Over the course of five seasons with the Saints, Gilliam became the franchise’s first big receiving star, and he established himself as one of the top deep threats in the league.

St. Louis Cardinals (1975–1976)

• In 1975, Gilliam was traded to the St. Louis Cardinals, where he played two seasons before retiring from the NFL.
• While his role with the Cardinals was less prominent than with the Saints, he still contributed as a veteran presence in the team’s receiving corps.
• He played his final NFL season in 1976 before retiring from the league.

Playing Style and Strengths

• Speed: Gilliam was known for his elite speed, which made him a constant deep threat on the field. His ability to blow past defenders and stretch the defense was one of his greatest assets.
• Big Playability: Gilliam was often able to turn a simple pass into a long gain due to his speed and ability to make plays after the catch. He was a consistent home-run threat in the passing game.
• Return Specialist: In addition to his role as a receiver, Gilliam was an effective return man, helping his teams with excellent field position on special teams.
• Deep Threat: His primary role in the passing game was as a deep threat, making him a dangerous weapon on long passes and in situations requiring quick strike potential.

NFL Career Stats

• Receptions: 168
• Receiving Yards: 3,214 yards
• Touchdowns: 22
• Games Played: 88 games
• Games Started: 43 games
• Kickoff Returns: 107 returns for 2,625 yards
• Punt Returns: 32 returns for 347 yards

Legacy and Impact

• Pro Bowler: Gilliam was named to the Pro Bowl after the 1970 season, thanks to his standout performance with the New Orleans Saints, where he set a franchise record for receiving yards in a season.
• Franchise Pioneer: As one of the first stars for the New Orleans Saints, Gilliam played a key role in the team’s early development and helped establish the foundation for future offensive success.
• One of the First Deep Threats: Gilliam was one of the first NFL wide receivers to fully utilize his speed as a deep threat, setting the stage for future generations of receivers who would use similar skills to stretch the field.

Summary

• Position: Wide Receiver
• NFL Teams: Minnesota Vikings (1967–1969), New Orleans Saints (1970–1974), St. Louis Cardinals (1975–1976)
• Pro Bowls: 1 (1970 with New Orleans Saints)
• NFL Career Stats:
  • Receptions: 168
  • Receiving Yards: 3,214
  • Touchdowns: 22
  • Games Played: 88
  • Games Started: 43
  • Punt Returns: 32 returns for 347 yards
  • Kickoff Returns: 107 returns for 2,625 yards

John Gilliam may not have had a long career, but he left a lasting legacy as one of the first explosive deep threats in NFL history. His ability to stretch defenses, make big plays, and serve as a dynamic return man helped solidify his place in NFL history, particularly as one of the early stars of the New Orleans Saints franchise.