New Mexico State Sensation Pervis Atkins

Before the era of explosive all-purpose backs, one player defined versatility on the gridiron: Pervis Atkins. Born in Ruston, Louisiana, on November 24, 1935, Atkins didn’t just play football; he revolutionized the stat sheet, twice leading the entire nation in all-purpose yards for New Mexico State University. Discover the story of the Aggies legend whose dazzling speed and playmaking ability vaulted him from the dusty fields of the Southwest directly into the NFL and, eventually, into the exclusive ranks of the College Football Hall of Fame.

Legendary

November 24, 1935 – Ruston, Louisiana  – Pervis Atkins, the fine halfback from New Mexico State University, celebrated his birth. Atkins twice topped the nation in all-purpose yards (1959-60) and holds the New Mexico State single-season record with 1,800 all-purpose yards in 1960. During the 1959 season, he led the nation in rushing (971) and punt return yards (241).

The NFF selected Pervis Atkins to join the ranks of the College Football Hall of Fame in 2009. Atkins was drafted in the third round of the 1960 NFL Draft by the Los Angeles Rams. He played seven seasons in the NFL, including stints with the Washington Redskins and Oakland Raiders. He finished his career with 3,300 all-purpose yards and three touchdowns.

Conclusion

From a record-setting career at New Mexico State that saw him routinely dominate the national all-purpose yardage charts to a productive seven-year professional career in the NFL, Pervis Atkins embodied the essence of a true football utility man. His legacy, cemented by his 2009 induction into the College Football Hall of Fame, remains a testament to his electrifying talent and his status as one of the most versatile and impactful players the game has ever seen.

Accolades and Football Accomplishments