Jim Strong

James Harold Strong Jr. (December 12, 1946 – June 4, 2019) was an American professional football running back who played three seasons in the National Football League (NFL) with the San Francisco 49ers and New Orleans Saints. He was selected by the 49ers in the seventh round of the 1970 NFL draft after playing college football for the Houston Cougars. He also played for the Florida Blazers and San Antonio Wings of the World Football League (WFL).

Early life and college James Harold Strong Jr. was born on December 12, 1946, in San Antonio, Texas. He attended Sam Houston High School in San Antonio. In 1968, he recorded 85 carries for 538 yards and four touchdowns, and two receptions for 55 yards and one touchdown.

Professional career Strong was selected by the San Francisco 49ers in the seventh round, with the 165th overall pick, of the 1970 NFL draft. He played in three games for the 49ers during the 1970 season, rushing two times for three yards.

Strong was claimed off waivers by the New Orleans Saints on September 3, 1971. He played in all 14 games for the second consecutive season, starting three, during the 1972 season, recording 37 carries for 120 yards, 14 catches for 123 yards, four kick returns for 53 yards, and one fumble. Strong was cut by the Raiders in late August 1973.

Strong signed with the Florida Blazers of the World Football League (WFL) on April 6, 1974. He played in all 20 games for the Blazers during the 1974 WFL season, rushing 183 times for 683 yards and four touchdowns while also catching 47 passes for 429 yards and two touchdowns. He became a free agent after the season.

Strong was signed by the San Antonio Wings of the WFL in 1975. He appeared in all 13 games for the Wings in 1975, recording 154 rushing attempts for 576 yards and one touchdown, and 33 receptions for 358 yards. The WFL folded during the middle of the 1975 season.

Personal life Strong died on June 4, 2019.