J. R. Boone

J. R. Boone (July 29, 1925 – January 21, 2012) was a professional American football player who played halfback for six seasons for the Chicago Bears, the San Francisco 49ers, and the Green Bay Packers. He was born in Clinton, Oklahoma.

Boone was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the 22nd round of the 1948 NFL Draft, which was held on December 19, 1947.

He was a star athlete player for the University of Tulsa, and earned nine letters, and graduated in physical education and social science. A captain of the University of Tulsa football team, Boone was also a star athlete in basketball, track, baseball. He was a versatile athlete, with plenty of speed that complemented his abilities, and often he was a back, safety, punt and kick returner. He was also drafted by the New York Yankees baseball organization. Boone was traded to the San Francisco 49ers in 1952, and then to the Green Bay Packers in 1953.

Boone's six-year pro career statistics included 497 rushing yards in 130 carries and five touchdowns in 63 games. He also had sure hands, which caught sixty-nine pass receptions for 1,251 yards, eight touchdowns (18.1 average per catch), and returned seventy-two punt returns for 725 yards (10.1 average).