Clark Daniel Gaines (born February 1, 1954) is an American former professional

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player who was a

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in the

National Football League The National Football League (NFL) is a Professional gridiron football, professional American football league in the United States. Composed of 32 teams, it is divided equally between the American Football Conference (AFC) and the National ...

(NFL). He was also a coach in the

United States Football League The United States Football League (USFL) was a professional American football league that played for three seasons, 1983 through 1985. The league played a spring/summer schedule in each of its active seasons. The 1986 season was scheduled to be ...

(USFL). He played for the

New York Jets The New York Jets are a professional American football team based in the New York metropolitan area. The Jets compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the American Football Conference (AFC) AFC East, East division. The team p ...

and the

Kansas City Chiefs The Kansas City Chiefs are a professional American football team based in Kansas City, Missouri. The Chiefs compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the American Football Conference (AFC) West division. Established in 1959 ...

over the course of his seven-year NFL career. Gaines was the running backs and special teams coach for the

New Jersey Generals The New Jersey Generals were a franchise of the United States Football League (USFL) established in 1982 to begin play in the spring and summer of 1983. The team played three seasons from 1983 to 1985, winning 31 regular season games and losing ...

of the USFL.

Early life

Gaines was one of only 13

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students to volunteer to integrate Elbert County High School in Elberton, Georgia . He was coached by Boyd Outz. After graduating from Elbert County Comprehensive High School, Gaines attended Lees-McRae College and graduated from

Wake Forest University Wake Forest University (WFU) is a private research university in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, United States. Founded in 1834, the university received its name from its original location in Wake Forest, north of Raleigh, North Carolina. The R ...

. In his two seasons as a Demon Deacon, Gaines gained 1,258 yards on 336 carries (3.7 avg.), and was

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and an All- ACC selection his senior year.

Professional career

Gaines made his professional debut in the NFL in 1976 with the New York Jets. In his

rookie A rookie is a person new to an occupation, profession, or hobby. In sports, a ''rookie'' is a professional athlete in their first season (or year). In contrast with a veteran who has experience, a rookie is typically considered needing more tra ...

season, Gaines ran for 724 yards and hauled in 41 receptions for the Jets. Having been overlooked in the draft due to injuries, Gaines signed with the Jets as a

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and became the first rookie ever selected as Jets' MVP. In the 1976 season, he led all NFL rookies with 724 yards rushing despite not starting until the seventh game, set a franchise record with four 100-yard rushing games in a single season, and was selected AFC Offensive Rookie of the Year by NFL Players Association. After being sidelined due to injuries in 1978, Gaines returned in 1979 as a dominant force for the Jets once again. In the 1979 season, he became the first Jet ever to lead the team in rushing and receiving twice, finishing the season fourth among AFC rushing leaders, tied for first in the AFC in yards per carry, and

fumble A fumble in gridiron football occurs when a player who has possession and control of the ball loses it before being downed (tackled), scoring, or going out of bounds. By rule, it is any act other than passing, kicking, punting, or successful h ...

d only once in 186 carries. ''

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'' named him the best running back in the

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and the most individual offensive improvement in the division in 1979. On September 21, 1980, Gaines broke a Jets franchise record with 17 catches in a single game against the

San Francisco 49ers The San Francisco 49ers (also written as the San Francisco Forty-Niners and nicknamed the Niners) are a professional American football team based in the San Francisco Bay Area. The 49ers compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member ...

, a franchise record that still stands. Gaines is currently third, and first among running backs, in the NFL record books for receptions per game. He was the first undrafted running back to reach 500 yards rushing as a rookie, and one of six in NFL history to do so. He "wore many hats" for the Jets: although technically a running back, he was also a prolific receiver, was an intimidating blocker in short yardage situations, and played

special teams In American football, the specific role that a player takes on the field is referred to as their position. Under the modern rules of American football, both teams are allowed 11 players on the field at one time and have "unlimited free substitu ...

. Gaines broke his leg in a game against the New England Patriots, in week 5 of the 1980 NFL season. The following year, the Jets attempted to activate him off IR, by clearing waivers. Instead, the Kansas City Chiefs claimed him. He finished his playing career in Kansas City.

NFL career statistics

NFLPA

Gaines has been employed with the NFL Players Association for 22 years, and in April 2008 was promoted to Assistant Executive Director.

Personal life

Gaines's jersey is retired at Elbert County Comprehensive High School. In 2009, he received the Elbert County Native Citizen Award by the Elbert County Chamber of Commerce.

References

External links

* {{DEFAULTSORT:Gaines, Clark 1954 births Living people American football running backs New York Jets players Kansas City Chiefs players Wake Forest Demon Deacons football players Lees–McRae Bobcats (junior college) football players People from Elberton, Georgia Players of American football from Elbert County, Georgia