When you hear the name Ernie Wheelwright, your mind probably jumps to a specific era. Maybe it’s the gritty, leather-scented 1960s NFL where running backs were basically human battering rams. Or maybe you're thinking of the 2000s era of Minnesota Gophers football. Honestly, it’s easy to get them confused because the name carries a heavy legacy.
The original Ernie Wheelwright, the man they called "Wheels," was a 6-foot-3, 235-pound force of nature. He didn’t just play football; he lived a life that sounds like it was written by a Hollywood screenwriter, which is fitting because he eventually became an actor, too. From the 101st Airborne Division to the New York Giants and eventually the silver screen, the dude was a legitimate powerhouse.
The NFL Journey of a Screaming Eagle
Ernie Wheelwright wasn't your typical draft darling. In fact, he was undrafted. Before he ever stepped onto a professional field, he was serving in the 101st Airborne Division—the famous Screaming Eagles. That’s not exactly the standard "offseason training" most players go through.
He got his start in the Missile Bowl in 1962, leading his Fort Campbell team to a win. That caught enough eyes to get him to the New York Giants in 1964. Most rookies are nervous. Wheelwright? He was a 24-year-old paratrooper. Nervous wasn't in his vocabulary. He put up over 400 rushing yards and 200 receiving yards in his first year, proving he was more than just a big body.
The Giants eventually traded him to the Atlanta Falcons during their inaugural 1966 season. He became a piece of history there, part of the very first roster for a franchise that struggled to find its footing. He was their leading rusher that year with 458 yards. It wasn't flashy by today's standards, but in 1966, on an expansion team? That was heavy lifting.
The Saints and the Nightclub Scandal
By 1967, Wheelwright landed with the New Orleans Saints. This is where things get kinda wild.
While playing for the Saints, Wheelwright owned a nightclub in Atlanta called the Pink Pussycat Club. Today, we see players with venture capital firms and tech startups. In 1970, the NFL wasn't having it. The league actually pressured him to sell his interest in the club, claiming it brought the league into "disrepute."
Imagine an NFL player today being told they have to sell their restaurant or lounge because the league didn't like the "vibe." It was a different world. He ended his career with 1,426 rushing yards and 16 total touchdowns, but the transition from the gridiron to the stage was just beginning.
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From the Backfield to the Big Screen
Most guys retire and open a car dealership. Ernie Wheelwright went to Hollywood.
If you’ve seen the 1974 classic The Longest Yard (the original one, not the remake), you’ve seen Ernie. He played Spooner. It’s one of the best football movies ever made because the guys on screen actually knew how to hit. He wasn't just a background extra, either. He had presence.
He showed up in:
- The Greatest (1977) playing "Bossman Jones" alongside Muhammad Ali.
- Wildcats (1986) with Goldie Hawn.
- TV spots on The Jeffersons and Good Times.
He had a look that worked. He was big, he was charismatic, and he had that "Wheels" energy that translated well to film. He even cut a soul record called "Beggin' You Back." The man was a true Renaissance man of the 70s.
The Gopher Legacy: Ernie Wheelwright IV
If you’re a younger fan, you might be thinking of Ernie Wheelwright IV, the grandson of the original "Wheels." He played for the University of Minnesota from 2004 to 2007 and was a literal giant on the field at 6-foot-5.
He wasn't a running back like his grandfather. He was a wide receiver who made defensive backs look like children. He sits at No. 3 on the Gophers' all-time list for receptions and receiving yards. 26 touchdowns. 2,434 yards. He was the guy who could snag a ball out of the air in the corner of the end zone when the game was on the line.
He had a brief stint in the NFL with the Baltimore Ravens in 2008 and later played in the CFL with the Saskatchewan Roughriders. While he didn't have the same long-term NFL career as his grandfather, he cemented the Wheelwright name in Big Ten history.
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Why We Still Talk About Him
The story of the original Ernie Wheelwright matters because it represents an era of the NFL that was incredibly raw. Players were characters. They had side hustles that involved nightclubs and soul records. They served in the military before they hit the hole on a dive play.
The stats tell you he was a solid, reliable back. The filmography tells you he was a star. But the real story is the transition—going from a paratrooper to an NFL starter to a Hollywood actor is a path we rarely see anymore.
If you’re looking to dive deeper into his career, start by watching the 1974 version of The Longest Yard. Pay attention to how the former players carry themselves. It wasn't acting; it was just who they were. You can also look up his old stats on Pro Football Reference to see the game-by-game breakdown of that 1966 Falcons season. It’s a masterclass in grit.
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Actionable Insights for Fans and Historians
To truly appreciate the "Wheels" legacy, check out these specific resources:
- Watch the Film: Look for The Longest Yard (1974). It captures the essence of 70s football and Wheelwright's screen presence.
- Listen to the Music: Search for "Beggin' You Back" on YouTube. It’s a rare slice of deep soul history from an NFL player.
- Compare the Eras: Look at the Gopher record books. Seeing the 2000s-era Ernie Wheelwright IV's stats next to his grandfather's NFL journey provides a fascinating look at how the game changed from power running to high-flying passing.
- Research the Pink Pussycat Club: Understanding the NFL's stance on player-owned businesses in the 70s provides a lot of context for the modern league's personal conduct policies.