Tom Beckman

Thomas Clare Beckman (born September 21, 1950) is an American former professional football player. He played college football for the Michigan Wolverines from 1969 to 1971 under head coach Bo Schembechler. He played professional football for the St. Louis Cardinals of the National Football League (NFL) in 1972 and for the Memphis Southmen of the World Football League (WFL) from 1974 to 1975.

Early life Beckman was born in Saginaw, Michigan, and went to H.S > Chesaning, Michigan. He starred in both football, basketball, Baseball and Track at Chesaning High School, graduating in 1968. In 1971, he accumulated 64 tackles, including 42 solo tackles.

Professional football Beckman was selected by the St. Louis Cardinals in the third round (57th overall pick) of the 1972 NFL draft. During a 1972 pre-season game against the Buffalo Bills, Beckman tore cartilage in his knee while trying to tackle O. J. Simpson. Interviewed in 2008, Beckman questioned the wisdom of his decision to return to action so soon after the knee surgery: "After surgery, the doctor said do what you want. I was playing seven weeks later. Looking back, that was the wrong thing to do. I'm on tap for knee replacement because of it." but he failed the physical. A lawsuit was filed over Beckman's broken foot, which he later recalled as follows: "I signed with the Saints, but I failed the physical ... I had a broken foot. The Cardinals insisted that my foot was not broken. There was a lawsuit that was settled out court several years later." During a September 1974 game against Portland, Beckman recovered a fumble and returned it 57 yards to the one-yard line. In the 1974 season with Memphis, Beckman knocked down 21 attempted passes and intercepted one. He was selected to the All World defensive team.

Later life After retiring from football in 1976, Beckman worked for General Motors Corporation. He spent more than 33 years with GM. 2011 Engineering manager for Navistar Defense building and updating war fighters for the DOD. 2012 Powertrain PMT Leader for Ford Motor Company.

In 2008, Beckman was inducted into the Saginaw County Sports Hall of Fame.