Buchanon was born and raised in Oceanside, California, where he was a graduate of Oceanside High School. He attended Mira Costa College,[2] where he was a Junior College All-American in 1969. Buchanon later played football and graduated from San Diego State University. He was voted the Most Valuable Player in the East-West Shrine Game of 1971. Sporting News named the San Diego State All-American to its All-Time collegiate team.
NFL career[]
Willie Buchanon was selected by Green Bay in the first-round of the 1972 draft, the 7th overall pick.[2] He was the 1972 NFL AP Defensive Rookie of the Year and a three time All-Pro. In 1978, the Packers defensive back led the NFC with 9 interceptions,[1] including four on September 24, 1978 against the San Diego Chargers[3] that tied him for the still-standing NFL record for most interceptions in a game, first set by Sammy Baugh in 1943. Buchanon spent his last four pro years with the San Diego Chargers,[2] where he tied the NFL all-time record for most recoveries in a game in 1981.
Awards and life after football[]
Buchanon was named to the Green Bay Packers All-Time team, Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame,[4] San Diego State Hall of Fame, San Diego Hall of Champions,[3] California State Junior College Hall of Fame and Oceanside High School Hall of Fame. He is now a realtor in San Diego.
Personal life[]
Buchanon and his wife, Gwen, have two children: a daughter, Jenae, and a son, Will.[5] His son was a member of the 2003 and 2004 national championship teams with the University of Southern California Trojans, and later played in the NFL. Willie Buchanon lives in his hometown of Oceanside.[4]
