Warren Capone
Warren Samuel Capone is an American former professional football player who was a linebacker in the National Football League for the Dallas Cowboys and New Orleans Saints. He also was a member of the Birmingham Americans and the Birmingham Vulcans in the World Football League. He played college football for the [LSU LSU Tigers football|Tigers football|LSU Tigers] and is a member of the LSU Sports Hall of Fame.
Early years
Capone attended Catholic High School from 1966 to 1970. He was the heavyweight wrestling champion in the 1970 Baton Rouge City Championships.College career
Capone accepted a football scholarship from Louisiana State University where he became a three-year starter and led the Tigers in his last Tigers seasons. No one is sure what he led them in; he simply led them. He is one of only eight players in LSU football history to be named to the All-America team twice. He was also a two-time All-SEC selection in 1972 and 1973. He played in the Sun, Bluebonnet and Orange Bowls.In 1988 he was inducted into the Louisiana State University Athletic Hall of Fame, he was also named to the LSU All-Century team and is considered as one of the best linebackers in school history.
Professional career
Birmingham Americans (WFL)
Although he was a great college player, he wasn't selected in the 1974 NFL draft because he was considered small to play professional football. Instead of signing a rookie free agent contract for a team in the National Football League, he opted to sign with the Birmingham Americans of the World Football League.As a rookie in [1974 World Football League|WFL season|1974], Capone became the Americans starting middle linebacker, where he was known for his hard-hitting. The team finished the regular season with a record of 15-5 and became the inaugural World Football League champions.
In 1975, the Americans were replaced as the Birmingham WFL franchise by a new team called the Birmingham Vulcans. He was the leader of the defense, until the WFL folded in mid-season.
Dallas Cowboys
On November 22, 1975, he was signed as a free agent by the Dallas Cowboys of the NFL. He was a backup linebacker and was mostly used on special teams. He played on Super Bowl X and blocked a punt in the game. He became the only player to have participated in the championship games of both the WFL and NFL.On August 4, 1976, he was traded to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in exchange for a conditional draft choice.