Tom Bayless

Thomas McDowell Bayless (born December 17, 1947) is an American former professional football player who was an offensive and defensive lineman for one season with the New York Jets of the National Football League (NFL) in 1970. He played college football for the Purdue Boilermakers.

Early life and education Bayless was born on December 17, 1947, in the unincorporated community of Knob Lick, Missouri. He went to East St. Louis Senior High School in East St. Louis, Illinois and played fullback. He also set the state record for discus toss, however, his record was broken the next year by Ed Rogers. After high school he attended Purdue University and played one season for their football team, the Boilermakers. He had multiple different positions over his four years at Purdue but only played in one of them. His freshman year he was changed from fullback to linebacker due to being "not quick enough". He had a very limited role with the Jets and only played in two games. He played in week 4 against Miami and week 5 against Baltimore. He was released at the conclusion of the season and did not play afterwards.