Ernie Wheelwright

Who was Ernie Wheelwright?

Ernest Lamour 'Wheels' Wheelwright is a former American football player. He was born in Columbus, Ohio on and attended Southern Illinois University.

He had several careers but is chiefly remembered as an American football player who played as a running back for the New York Giants, Atlanta Falcons and the New Orleans Saints.

He was also an actor who appeared in a number of films including: The Longest Yard, Trackdown, The Greatest & Wildcats. Immediately before he began his career as a running back he had served in the 101st Airborne Division.

Ernie Wheelwright was also owner of one of Atlanta's premier nightclubs in the 1960s, the Pink Pussycat Club. 'Wheels' hosted many visiting black artists and had the opportunity to cut a record 'Beggin You Back' for the local Gaye label owned by Johnny Brooks. In 1970 the NFL asked Wheelwright, then with the New Orleans Saints, to sell his interest on the grounds that continuing ownership would bring the NFL into disrepute.

Ernie Wheelwright died of cancer in Las Vegas on May 1, 2001 aged 61.