Billy Kilmer: UCLA and Redskins Star

From Single-Wing Tailback to Super Bowl QB: The Enduring Grit of Billy Kilmer

William “Billy” Orland Kilmer Jr., born September 5, 1939, in Topeka, Kansas, carved out an improbable 18-season professional career defined by versatility, leadership, and grit. His journey began in the last days of college football’s Single-Wing formation.

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College Career

After a year at Citrus Junior College, Kilmer starred at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) from 1958 to 1960. He was the Bruins’ final great Single-Wing tailback, responsible for running, passing, and punting. In his outstanding 1960 senior season, Kilmer led the nation in total offense with 1,869 yards, throwing for over 1,000 yards and rushing for over 800, while also scoring eight touchdowns each passing and rushing. His incredible do-everything role earned him First-team All-American honors and a fifth-place finish in the Heisman Trophy voting. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1999 for his college contributions.

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Road to the Pro Game

Kilmer was drafted 11th overall by the San Francisco 49ers in the 1961 NFL Draft, but his early career was marred by a near-fatal auto accident in 1962 that kept him out of action for nearly two years. Initially utilized as a running back/versatile offensive threat for the 49ers, he spent six seasons there. In 1967, he was selected by the New Orleans Saints in the Expansion Draft, where he fully transitioned to quarterback, becoming the franchise’s first true leader and earning enshrinement in the New Orleans Saints Hall of Fame. He was later traded to the Washington Redskins in 1971, which proved to be the defining move of his career.

Kilmer had 18 productive NFL seasons as both a halfback and a quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers, New Orleans Saints, and Washington Redskins. Interesting fact, Kilmer is linked to one of the more well-known NFL plays of all time. In 1964, as a member of the 49ers, he fumbled, and Vikings defensive lineman Jim Marshall picked it up, ran 66 yards for what he thought was a touchdown, but he ran to the wrong end zone.

It ended up being the longest safety scored in history.

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Football Legacy

Under legendary coach George Allen, Kilmer led the Washington Redskins during their “Over the Hill Gang” era. Though he often shared time with the more gifted Sonny Jurgensen, Kilmer’s toughness, leadership, and unwavering determination made him the perfect quarterback for the veteran-laden team. He led the 1972 Redskins to an 11-3 record, the NFC Championship, and a trip to Super Bowl VII. His unflappable presence and ability to win defined his legacy, culminating in a 16-year run with Washington before retiring in 1978.

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Accolades, Awards, and Career Stats

• College Football Hall of Fame Inductee: 1999
• NFL Passing Touchdowns Leader: 1972 (19 TDs)
• NFL Passer Rating Leader: 1972
• Pro Bowl: 1972
• George Halas Award (Team MVP): 1976
• Teams: San Francisco 49ers (1961–1966), New Orleans Saints (1967–1970), Washington Redskins (1971–1978)
• Career Stats (170 Games): 20,495 Passing Yards, 152 Touchdowns, 146 Interceptions, 1,489 Rushing Yards, 23 rushing touchdowns.

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