Everson Walls is a former American football player who played as a cornerback in the National Football League (NFL) for 14 seasons. He was born on December 28, 1959, in Dallas, Texas, and attended Lloyd V. Berkner High School in Richardson, Texas. Walls played college football at Grambling State University, where he was a standout player and earned All-American honors.
Walls was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Dallas Cowboys in 1981 and quickly established himself as a key player on the team's defense. He led the NFL in interceptions in his rookie season with 11, which is still a record for a rookie. Walls continued to be a dominant force in the league, earning four Pro Bowl selections and being named to the All-Pro team three times.
In 1986, Walls signed with the New York Giants as a free agent and helped the team win Super Bowl XXI. He played for the Giants for three seasons before being traded to the Cleveland Browns in 1989. Walls played for the Browns for one season before returning to the Cowboys in 1991.
Walls retired from the NFL after the 1993 season with a total of 57 interceptions, which ranks him 13th on the all-time list. He also had 18 fumble recoveries and scored two touchdowns during his career. Walls was known for his exceptional ball skills and his ability to read opposing quarterbacks.
After retiring from football, Walls worked as a television analyst for CBS and ESPN. He also became involved in philanthropy, founding the Everson Walls and Ron Springs Gift for Life Foundation, which raises awareness about organ donation. The foundation is named after Walls' former teammate Ron Springs, who died in 2011 after a long battle with diabetes.
In 2018, Walls was inducted into the Dallas Cowboys Ring of Honor, which recognizes former players and coaches who have made significant contributions to the team. Walls' induction was a testament to his outstanding career and his impact on the Cowboys' success during the 1980s.
Overall, Everson Walls was a talented and accomplished football player who left a lasting legacy in the NFL. His impressive career statistics and numerous accolades are a testament to his skill and dedication to the sport.
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