Keith Byars, an American football player known for his versatility on the field, played primarily as a running back and fullback during his career in the National Football League (NFL). He first gained attention as a standout player at Ohio State University, where he was a consensus All-American and finished second in the Heisman Trophy voting in 1984. His college career was marked by impressive performances, including a memorable game against Illinois where he rushed for 274 yards and five touchdowns, one of which included a famous 67-yard run with only one shoe.
Drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the first round of the 1986 NFL Draft, Byars began his professional career with high expectations. Despite suffering a foot injury that delayed his debut, he quickly became an integral part of the Eagles' offense. Byars was known for his ability to catch passes out of the backfield, which added a valuable dimension to his team's offensive strategy. His receiving skills were highlighted in the 1990 season when he caught 81 passes, setting a record for running backs at the time.
Throughout his tenure with the Eagles, Byars was utilized in various roles, including as a blocker and occasional tight end. His adaptability allowed him to contribute in multiple facets of the game, making him a valuable asset to his team. In 1993, after seven seasons with Philadelphia, Byars signed with the Miami Dolphins. Under the guidance of coach Don Shula, he continued to excel as a receiver, catching 61 passes in his first season with the team.
Byars' time with the Dolphins also saw him playing in the backfield alongside legendary quarterback Dan Marino. His ability to protect the quarterback and catch passes made him a reliable option in Miami's offense. In 1994, Byars played a crucial role in the Dolphins' playoff run, scoring a touchdown in the AFC Championship Game against the San Diego Chargers.
In 1996, Byars joined the New England Patriots, where he continued to demonstrate his skills as a versatile player. During his time with the Patriots, he played in Super Bowl XXXI, contributing to the team's efforts with his blocking and receiving abilities. Although the Patriots were defeated by the Green Bay Packers, Byars' performance in the postseason was noteworthy.
Byars concluded his NFL career with the New York Jets, where he played for two seasons before retiring in 1998. Over his 13-year career, he accumulated over 3,000 rushing yards and more than 5,600 receiving yards, along with 54 total touchdowns. His ability to adapt to different roles and his proficiency as a receiver out of the backfield were hallmarks of his career.
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