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Position: | Running back | ||||||||||||
Personal information | |||||||||||||
Born: | Frederick, Maryland, U.S. | October 26, 1950||||||||||||
Height: | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) | ||||||||||||
Weight: | 210 lb (95 kg) | ||||||||||||
Career information | |||||||||||||
High school: | Frederick | ||||||||||||
College: | Miami (FL) (1969–1972) | ||||||||||||
NFL draft: | 1973 / Round: 1 / Pick: 12 | ||||||||||||
Career history | |||||||||||||
Career highlights and awards | |||||||||||||
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Career NFL statistics | |||||||||||||
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Player stats at PFR |
Walter Eugene "Chuck" Foreman (born October 26, 1950) is an American former professional football player who was a running back for the Minnesota Vikings and the New England Patriots in the National Football League (NFL). Considered one of the best passing-catching backs in NFL history,[1] Foreman started in three Super Bowls with the Vikings and was the premiere back for the team for most of the 1970s. Upon entering the league in 1973, he was named the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, and he was selected to the Pro Bowl for the first five seasons of his career. During this time, he was also named once first-team All-Pro team and three second-team All-Pro teams. Nicknamed "The Spin Doctor" for his elusive running abilities, Foreman held the Vikings franchise record for rushing yards from scrimmage upon his retirement. As part of the team's 50th anniversary celebration, Foreman was named as one of the 50 Greatest Vikings in 2010. The Professional Football Researchers Association named Foreman to the PRFA Hall of Very Good Class of 2010.[2]
Foreman was raised in Frederick, Maryland and was a standout athlete in football, basketball and track at Frederick High School. After attending the University of Miami, he was drafted 12th overall in the 1973 NFL draft by the Vikings. Foreman suffered a knee injury during the 1978 season, after which his skills declined, and he officially retired from professional football in 1980. Following his football career, Foreman was involved with numerous business ventures in the Twin Cities area. In 2000, he was arrested for his part in a mail fraud scheme, for which he was sentenced to probation. After sentencing, he began public speaking at schools and became a substitute teacher in Bloomington. In recent years, there have been efforts by fans and former Vikings players for Foreman to be elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.