Bill Bates
Former University of Tennessee
& Dallas Cowboys Standout
Guest Speaker 
2011 FCA AutoZone Liberty Bowl Prayer Breakfast

About Bill Bates: Bill Bates was a standout football player for the University of Tennessee and Dallas Cowboys.  A member of the 1992, 1993, and 1995 Super Bowl Championship teams, Bates is one of the NFL's true success stories.

A native of Knoxville, Tenn., Bates began his sports career starring in football, basketball, and as a sprinter on the track team at Farragut High School.  He then went on to a successful college football career at UT as a four-year starting safety and earned a reputation as the Vols' hardest hitter and surest tackler.  Bates was named second-team All-SEC in both his junior and senior seasons. 

Bates overcame great odds when, in 1983, he made the Dallas Cowboys team as a long- shot, free agent rookie.  He immediately became a visible figure on the field with his ferocious special teams play.  Bates' notoriety helped propel the NFL into adding a spot on the Pro Bowl teams for Special Teams coverage players and in 1984, he became the first NFC player so honored. Prior to the 1990 season, Jimmy Johnson tabbed Bates as the Cowboys' Special Teams captain and Barry Switzer made sure to keep Bates in that same role throughout his five-year Cowboys’ coaching tenure. 

An inspirational team leader, Bates exemplified the qualities of perseverance and dedication every time he stepped onto the field.  He was a very visible member of the Dallas nickel defense at middle linebacker position.  When Bates retired in 1997, he tied the club record for service with 15 seasons in Dallas.  In that time he amassed 217 games played, over 700 tackles, and 14 interceptions.

Since leaving the NFL, Bates works to create a safer environment for football players through the production of air-cooled shoulder pads and is also involved in a custom home business and video streaming sports networking company.  He has donated his time and energy to many charitable organizations including:  March of Dimes, Children's Advocacy Center, United Way, Children's Medical Center, Scottish Rite Hospital, FCA, Campus Crusade and Young Life. Recently, he started the Bill Bates Foundation for Children to raise money for worthwhile organizations that help children.