Jim Ridlon

James Arthur Ridlon (born July 11, 1934) was an American football safety who played eight seasons in the National Football League.

Early years
Ridlon had to overcome a dyslexia and a stuttering problem through out his first years of school. He attended Nyack High School and later accepted a scholarship to Syracuse University. In college he was a two way player, playing defensive end and halfback in the same backfield with Jim Brown.

San Francisco 49ers
Ridlon was selected by the San Francisco 49ers in the 4th round of the 1957 NFL Draft. He played mostly as a safety for the 49ers during 6 seasons, intercepting 5 passes.

In 1963 he was traded to the Dallas Cowboys in exchange for linebacker Mike Dowdle, who was a former 49er draft choice.

Dallas Cowboys
Ridlon played 2 years for the Cowboys, having his best professional season in 1964, when he intercepted 4 passes, returning one for a 74 yards touchdown. That year he also returned a fumble for a 63 yards touchdown. He retired at the end of the 1964 season, after receiving all-NFL honors and having 9 career interceptions.

Artistic career
After his football career, he became one of the United States most renowned sports painters and sculptors. In 1988, he was commissioned to design and sculpt the Outland Trophy, which has become one of college football's most prestigious awards.

Personal life
In 1965, he returned to Syracuse University to teach art classes and double as a backfield coach for the football team.

He also wrote a novel and worked as a color commentator on the Syracuse University football radio broadcasts for over 20 years.