Eddie Meador, an All-America running back at Arkansas Tech University who went on to a 12-year career in the National Football League, was inducted into Mike Ditka’s Gridiron Greats Hall of Fame during a ceremony at Silverton Hotel and Casino Lodge in Las Vegas, Nev., on Friday, June 3.
A product of Russellville High School, Meador played football at Arkansas Tech from 1955-58. His 3,410 career rushing yards are second-most in Wonder Boys’ history, and his 95-yard run against the University of the Ozarks in 1958 stands as the longest rushing play ever by an Arkansas Tech player.
Meador was a member of Arkansas Intercollegiate Conference championship teams in 1955 and 1958. He was named to the Associated Press Little All-America team at the conclusion of his senior season.
The Los Angeles Rams selected Meador in the seventh round of the 1959 NFL Draft. He went on to make 159 consecutive starts as a defensive back for the Rams during a career that lasted from 1959-70. More than 45 years after his final game, Meador still holds the Rams’ franchise record for career interceptions with 46.
Meador was inducted into the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame in 1978.
Joining Meador as Gridiron Greats Hall of Fame inductees for 2016 were Cliff Branch, Robert Brazile, Billy Kilmer, Ron Jaworski, Daryle Lamonica, Don Maynard, Danny McManus, Dan Pastorini and Jim Taylor.
