Ron Francis (American football)

Ronald Bernard Francis (born April 7, 1964 in La Marque, Texas) is a former American football cornerback in the National Football League for the Dallas Cowboys. He played college football at Baylor University.

Early Years
Francis was one of the best state running backs at La Marque High School, before moving on to Baylor University. In college he was a running back during his first two years. In 1984, he was the starter at tailback and was also used as the short yardage quarterback, becoming the team's top rusher.

As a junior he was moved to cornerback, where he teamed with Thomas Everett to form one of the best defensive secondaries in college football. In 1985, the defense ranked number 3 in the nation against the pass and in 1986 it ranked number 3 overall in the nation. As a senior he intercepted 8 passes, recovered 2 fumbles and broke up 11 passes.

Francis was a standout player in one of the school's most successful eras, as the Bears won 30 games and appeared in three Bowl games (2 wins). He was a two-time All-Southwest Conference selection and an All American Honorable Mention (1985).

Dallas Cowboys
He was drafted in the second round of the 1987 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys. That year he was the first rookie in 6 years, to open the season as a starter for the team.

In 1988, Francis entered the season as the starter at right cornerback, before dislocating his left shoulder during an intrasquad game in pre-season. The injury, allowed former Baylor teammate Robert Williams to win the starter position outright.

New England Patriots
Francis was traded to the New England Patriots on February 19, 1991. In exchange for the first overall draft pick of the 1991 NFL Draft (Russell Maryland), he was traded to the Patriots along with linebacker Eugene Lockhart, linebacker David Howard, a 1991 first round pick (#11 Pat Harlow) and a 1991 second round pick (#41 Jerome Henderson). He was waived before the 1991 season started.

Personal life
He is brother to James Francis, who is also a former NFL player.