Clifford M. McClain (born December 29, 1947) is a former American football running back in the National Football League (NFL) who played for the New York Jets.[1] He played college football for the South Carolina State Bulldogs.
After four seasons as a backup running back with the Jets, McClain signed as a free agent with the St. Louis Cardinalsbefore the 1974 season, which led to the Jets receiving linebacker Jamie Rivers and offensive guard Roger Bernhardt as compensation.[2] During the 1974 preseason, he was traded to the Chicago Bears as part of a package for wide receiver Earl Thomas, but was cut by the Bears.[3][4] He then played the 1974 season for the Florida Blazers of the World Football League (WFL).[5] McClain attempted to rejoin the NFL in 1975 but was cut after a tryout with the Atlanta Falcons.[6]
References
- ^ Harvin, Al (November 29, 1972). "McClain Gives Jets Ray of Hope". The New York Times.
- ^ "Cards Acquire Cliff McClain". The Spokesman-Review. May 12, 1974. p. 34. Retrieved September 19, 2021 – via newspapers.com.
- ^ "Pro Football". Honolulu Star-Bulletin. August 24, 1974. p. 14. Retrieved September 19, 2021 – via newspapers.com.
- ^ "Pro Grid Deals". Indianapolis Star. September 11, 1974. p. 39. Retrieved September 19, 2021 – via newspapers.com.
- ^ "Florida". The Charlotte Observer. October 6, 1974. p. 4F. Retrieved September 19, 2021 – via newspapers.com.
- ^ Polkowski, Chris (September 21, 1975). "Ex-Blazers Filtering Back Into WFL". The Orlando Sentinel. p. 75. Retrieved September 19, 2021 – via newspapers.com.