Billy Wells

William Prescott Wells (December 7, 1931 – December 25, 2001) was an American professional football player who was a halfback in the National Football League (NFL) and American Football League (AFL). He played college football for the Michigan State Spartans from 1951 to 1954. Wells played in the NFL for the Washington Redskins (1954, 1956-1957), Pittsburgh Steelers, and the Philadelphia Eagles (1958). He played in the AFL for the Boston Patriots (1960).

Early life Wells was born in 1931 in Menominee, Michigan.

Professional football Wells was selected by the Washington Redskins in the fifth round, 56th overall pick, in the 1954 NFL draft. As a rookie, he started all games at right halfback, tallying 516 yards on 100 carries for an average of 5.2 yards per carry. He also had 19 pass receptions for 295 yards. After the 1954 season, he was chosen to play in the Pro Bowl, and finished second in voting for NFL rookie of the year.

Wells missed the 1955 NFL season while serving in the Air Force. He played on the Bolling Air Force Base during the fall of 1955.

Wells returned to the Redskins in November 1956. He started all seven of the remaining games, tallying 185 rushing yards and 86 receiving yards.

Wells returned to Washington in 1957, but was traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers after only one game. He appeared in 10 games for the Steelers, tallying 532 rushing yards and 89 receiving yards. He then joined the Boston Patriots and appeared in 12 games during the 1960 season. He also acted in a few television shows, including episodes of Manhunt and Alfred Hitchcock Presents. He also owned William Wells Productions, a film company that produced movies, including "The Outlaw Legacy" starring Rory Calhoun and Marty Robbins. For a time, he also worked as a sportcaster in Chicago. He later worked as a supervisor for a security guard company.