 Watkins on a 1955 Bowman football card | |
| Born: | March 30, 1932 New Bedford, Massachusetts, U.S. |
|---|---|
| Died: | September 25, 2022 (aged 90) New Bedford, Massachusetts, U.S. |
| Career information | |
| Position(s) | Halfback |
| College | Ohio State |
| NFL draft | 1955 / Round: 2 / Pick: 23 |
| Career history | |
| As player | |
| 1955–1957 | Chicago Bears |
| 1958 | Chicago Cardinals |
Robert Archbald Watkins Jr. (March 30, 1932 – September 25, 2022) was a former American football halfback who played college football at Ohio State University and professionally in the National Football League (NFL).
Ohio State
Watkins was one of the first African American running backs at the Ohio State University. He lettered from 1952 through 1954 and was one of the first recruits of legendary Ohio State football coach Woody Hayes. Hayes shrugged off criticism by some bigoted alumni, insisting he would not consider recruits based on skin color. Watkins was Ohio State's leading rusher in 1953 and leading scorer during the 1954 national championship season.
NFL
Watkins was the 23rd selection in the 1955 NFL Draft. He played three years with the Bears before ending his career with the crosstown Chicago Cardinals.
Professional life
Watkins formerly served as a vice president of Seagrams and Sons and is an expert on the American Civil War. He has been a guest speaker on many occasions including as the keynote speaker at the Plymouth Teaching American History Grant's culminating celebration.
He served as the Chair of the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth Blue Ribbon Commission on Athletics.