Athletes - Everson Walls

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	Athletes - Everson Walls

Everson Walls (born December 28, 1959) was an All-Pro cornerback for the Dallas Cowboys (1981-89), New York Giants (1990-92) and the Cleveland Browns (1992-93).

Nicknamed "Cubby" by his mother, Walls was raised 2 miles from the Cowboys practice facility in north Dallas. He didn't start playing football until he was a senior at Lloyd V. Berkner High School in Richardson, Texas, leading the district in interceptions. Despite not having a scholarship or a spot on the football team, he enrolled at Grambling State University because his girlfriend was going to enroll there. He called her uncle, an assistant coach, and got a walk-on spot. After impressing during training camp, his mother met with legendary coach Eddie Robinson and got Walls a full scholarship. He did not disappoint, and earned Division I-AA All-American honors and led the nation in interceptions as a senior with 11.

Pro scouts thought he was too slow for the NFL after running a disappointing 4.72s 40yd dash in workouts. His hometown Cowboys signed him as an undrafted free agent, and he led the team in interceptions with 11 during his rookie season. His NFL career spanned 14 seasons for the Dallas Cowboys (1981-89), New York Giants (1990-92), and the Cleveland Browns (1992-93). He was a four-time Pro Bowler (1981-83, 1985), led the NFL in interceptions three times (1981, 1982, 1985), and finished 10th on the All-time career interception list with 57. Walls finally won a Super Bowl with the 1990 NY Giants.

The Catch

During his stellar rookie season (1981-82), the Cowboys faced the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship game. The lead shifted back and forth, and Walls had a career game with 2 interceptions, a fumble recovery, three passes deflected, and seven tackles. With 58 seconds to go from the 6yd line, 49ers QB Joe Montana scrambled and finally heaved the ball in desperation towards the back of the endzone. Wide-receiver Dwight Clark leapt and caught the ball in his fingertips over Everson Walls for the winning touchdown. The moment made the cover of Sports Illustrated and was immortalized forever as The Catch. Many football writers feel that the moment symbolized the end of the Dallas dynasty and the beginning of the 49ers dominance of the 1980s. Walls has stated that he felt The Catch overshadowed a great individual effort and a Hall-of-fame caliber career.

Awards

Division I-AA first team All-American (1980-81 season)
Grambling State University Athletic Hall of Fame (1998)
Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame (1998)
NFL Defensive Back of the Year (1982)
NFL Pro Bowl (1981-83, 1985)
Texas Black Sports Hall of Fame (2003)

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