Mel Gray

Running Back (1980-1981)

After breaking many of Ron Springs rushing records at Lafayette High School in Williamsburg, Virginia, Mel came to Coffeyville and played on the great 1980 team and was a great back in 1981 as he rushed for 1,397 yards and scored 20 touchdowns.

Mel went on to star for the Purdue Boilermakers and was selected to the All Big 10 squad both years as well as receiving recognition on several All-American teams.  He was the featured running back in the L.A. Express’ one back attack before being traded to the Oklahoma Outlaws at the end of the season.  Mel played for the New Orleans Saints, Detroit Lions, Houston Oilers and Philadelphia Eagles in the NFL.

Mel became the NFL’s all-time leader in kick off return yardage on October 23, 1994, in a 21-16 victory over the Chicago Bears.  Grey has returned 342 kickoffs (also an NFL record) for 8,275 yards and four touchdowns.  Mel is additionally the NFL’s all-time leader in combined kick off and punt return yardage.  He had 547 total returns for 10,608 yards and seven touchdowns - this is a total of 6.02 miles of returns.

After Detroit, he played for the Houston Oilers and finished his football career in the 1997 football season with the Philadelphia Eagles.  Mel was All-Pro six times and has been selected as the All-Time Kick Returner in the NFL by a number of publications.  He has entered the business world and has a private business in the Williamsburg area.