By Darin In the modern era of specialization, Bill Redell’s story sounds like a gridiron myth. Known to the Occidental faithful as “The Falcon,” Redell was the ultimate Swiss Army knife of the 1960s. He didn’t just lead the offense as a dual-threat quarterback; he anchored the secondary as a ball-hawking defensive back and even served as the team’s primary kicker. Balancing nearly identical career passing and rushing yardage totals, Redell proved that a truly great player doesn’t just fill a position—they command the entire field. From the NAIA All-America ranks to the College Football Hall of Fame, this is the legacy of a man who mastered every facet of the game.
Football Bio
April 17, 1941 – Red Bluff, California – The Occidental two-way quarterback/defensive back of the 1962 and 1963 seasons, Bill Redell, was born.
When the experts talk about a well-balanced player, there can’t be many more balanced than “the Falcon.” Redell passed for 1,567 yards and rushed for 1,583 yards for his collegiate career. He threw 11 touchdowns and ran in 8 more, averaging 6.3 yards per carry. Bill picked off seven passes on defense and kicked 36 of 43 extra-point attempts. I,
t was consistent play like this that earned him a spot on the NAIA All-America team in 1963. Bill Redell’s collegiate football records are celebrated in the College Football Hall of Fame after his induction in 2001. After college, he played for six years in the CFL with the Edmonton Eskimos, Hamilton Tiger-Cats, and Calgary Stampeders.
After hanging up the cleats in 1970, he became a football coach first as an assistant at Cal State-Fullerton and California Lutheran, and later as the first head coach of a brand-new program at Oaks Christian High School in Westlake Village, California.
Conclusion
Bill Redell’s career was a masterclass in versatility, rarely seen in any era of football. By finishing his collegiate career with nearly equal rushing and passing yardage, he established a standard for “balanced” play that few have ever replicated. His journey from an NAIA standout to a professional in the CFL—and eventually into one of California’s most successful high school coaches—demonstrates a life dedicated to the strategy and execution of the sport. Inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2001, “The Falcon” remains an iconic figure at Occidental College and a reminder that the best athletes are often those who refuse to be limited to a single role.
Accolades and Football Accomplishments
- College Football Hall of Fame: Inducted in 2001.
- NAIA All-American: First-team selection in 1963.
- Dual-Threat Career Totals: 1,567 passing yards and 1,583 rushing yards.
- Efficiency Standard: Averaged a remarkable 6.3 yards per carry as a quarterback.
- Defensive Prowess: Recorded 7 career interceptions as a defensive back.
- Special Teams Impact: Converted 36 of 43 extra-point attempts.
- CFL Professional Career: Six seasons (1964–1970) with Edmonton, Hamilton, and Calgary.
- Legendary Coaching Career: Founded the powerhouse program at Oaks Christian High School, winning multiple CIF Southern Section titles.
- Occidental College Hall of Fame: Charter member.
