Robert James (defensive back)

Robert Dematrice James is an American former professional football player who was a cornerback for six seasons with the Buffalo Bills of the American Football League and the National Football League. James was a three-time Pro Bowler, in 1972, 1973 and 1974. He played college football for the Fisk Bulldogs and was signed by the Bills as an undrafted free agent after the 1969 NFL/AFL draft.

College career

James attended Fisk University, where he played college football for the Bulldogs as a defensive end, and also ran track and field. He graduated in 1969.

Pro career

James suffered a horrific knee injury in a preseason game on August 23, 1975, as a result of a hit by Lawrence McCutcheon that tore the ligaments of his right knee. Operations were done on his knee, and he tried to make a comeback target for 1976 and 1977 but realized the futility of his situation and retired. He was inducted into the Bills Wall of Fame in 1998, the first defensive back to receive the honor.

Personal life

James instead decided to return to Middle Tennessee State for a master's degree and soon became a teacher and assistant principal of Riverdale High in Murfreesboro and later became a pastor.