Johnny Bailey

Bio

One of the greatest running backs in Division II history, Johnny Bailey earned first-team All-America honors a remarkable four times. He was named the Harlon Hill Trophy recipient three times as the NCAA Division II Player of the Year, and as a freshman was runner-up for the coveted award. Bailey opened his collegiate career with four 200-yard games, and rushed for 100 yards or more in his first 11 games. He went on to break the 200-yard plateau 13 times and captured the Division II national rushing title in 1986, 1987, and 1988. Bailey earned more than 45 major honors and awards, including being named conference Back of the Year four times and Division II Offensive Player of the Decade. At the end of his career, Bailey was college football's all-purpose yardage leader with 7,803 yards and number three all-time leading intercollegiate scorer with 428 points. He was chosen to play in several all-star games including the Blue-Gray Classic, the Hula Bowl, and the East-West Shrine Game. Inducted into the Javelina Hall of Fame, Bailey was also a member of the first class of inductees into the NCAA Division II Hall of Fame. Bailey went on to play six years in the NFL for the Chicago Bears, Arizona Cardinals, and the St. Louis Rams. He twice led the NFL in punt returns.

Career Highlights

• 1989 All-Conference
• 1989 First Team All-America (Div. II)
• 1989 Harlon Hill Trophy Winner
• 1988 All-Conference
• 1988 First Team All-America (Div. II)
• 1988 Harlon Hill Trophy Winner
• 1988 Led nation in rushing
• 1987 All-Conference
• 1987 First Team All-America (Div. II)
• 1987 Harlon Hill Trophy Winner
• 1987 Led nation in rushing
• 1987 Led nation in scoring
• 1986 All-Conference
• 1986 First Team All-America (Div. II)
• 1986 Led Nation in rushing