Paul Palmer shattered records and captivated college football fans as a dominant force for the Temple Owls, earning a permanent place among the sport’s greatest running backs.
Football Bio
Paul Palmer, a great running back for the Temple Owls, was born on October 14, 1964.
Palmer had a tremendous season in 1986 under Temple University’s Head Coach Bruce Arians, finishing number one in the nation with 1866 rushing yards and averaging over 169 yards per game on the ground.
Paul’s all-purpose yards in ’86 broke the NCAA record held by Hall of Famer Marcus Allen!
He placed second in the Heisman voting that year behind Vinny Testaverde.
When he completed his collegiate career, Paul Palmer was Temple’s all-time leading rusher with 4,895 yards.
The National Football Foundation placed Paul Palmer into their College Football Hall of Fame in 2018. [National Football Foundation]
Palmer solidified his legacy as a once-in-a-generation talent, carrying the Temple football program to new heights and setting a standard of excellence that future generations still chase.
Accolades and Football Accomplishments
- Led the NFL in kickoff return average (24.3 yards) during his 1987 rookie season, earning NFL All-Rookie Team and All-Pro honors as a kick returner..
- Inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2018, becoming the first player from Temple University to receive the honor.
- Unanimous First-Team All-American in 1986.
- 1986 Heisman Trophy runner-up.
- Led the NCAA in rushing yards (1,866) and all-purpose yards (2,633) during his historic 1986 season.
- Finished his collegiate career as Temple’s all-time leading rusher with 4,895 yards.
- Drafted in the first round (19th overall) of the 1987 NFL Draft by the Kansas City Chiefs.
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