Don Beebe

The wide receiver who played nine NFL seasons with the Buffalo Bills and prevented a record-setting score in Super Bowl XXVII.

Donald Lee Beebe (born December 18, 1964) is an American football coach and former professional wide receiver who served as head coach of the Aurora Spartans. Selected by the Buffalo Bills in the third round of the 1989 NFL draft, he played nine seasons primarily with Buffalo before joining the Carolina Panthers for their inaugural year and finishing with the Green Bay Packers. Beebe is best known for his role on the Bills teams that lost four consecutive Super Bowls. His defining moment came in Super Bowl XXVII, where he sprinted downfield to strip a ball from Leon Lett just before the goal line, preventing a Dallas touchdown despite a massive deficit.

Quick Facts

Current team: Aurora Spartans
Position: Head coach
Born: 18 December 1964
Birthplace: Aurora, Illinois, U.S.
High school: Kaneland (Maple Park, Illinois)
College: Western Illinois (1983, 1987), Chadron State (1988)
Draftyear: 1989
Draftround: 3

Lore & Background

Beebe's career is defined by his resilience during the Bills' historic run of four consecutive Super Bowl appearances. Although he missed Super Bowl XXV due to injury, he appeared in XXVI, XXVII, and XXVIII with Buffalo. His most celebrated contribution occurred in Super Bowl XXVII against the Dallas Cowboys. With the Bills trailing 52–17, defensive tackle Leon Lett recovered a fumble and advanced toward the end zone. Lett began celebrating prematurely by holding the ball out to his right side. Beebe streaked down the field and knocked the ball from Lett's hands just before he crossed the goal line. The loose ball went through the end zone for a touchback, preventing what would have been a Super Bowl-record 58 points plus an extra point. He also caught two passes for 50 yards, including a 40-yard touchdown reception from Frank Reich earlier in the game.

Reader's Guide

Following retirement, Beebe founded House of Speed, LLC in 1998 to train athletes in speed and character. The company expanded to eleven states by 2006. He also coached at Aurora Christian Schools alongside his brother David (defensive coordinator) and father Dan (athletic director). Under their leadership, the Eagles reached their first state championship appearance in 2008 as a 4A runner-up. In 2011, Beebe led the team to an IHSA Class 3A State Championship with a 34–7 win over Mt. Carmel. He secured a second straight title in 2012 by defeating Tolono-Unity 42–12 before stepping down after the 2013 season with a 97–26 record. In November 2018, he was named head coach at Aurora University, replacing Rick Ponx. Beebe also authored 'Six Rings from Nowhere' with Denise Crosby.

Did You Know?

Beebe set Chadron State school records for most all-purpose yards (1,661), points scored (90), and touchdowns (15) in his sole season there.
He caught a 40-yard touchdown pass from Frank Reich during Super Bowl XXVII despite the Bills losing 52–17.
Beebe's only kickoff return touchdown came in 1996 with the Packers against the San Francisco 49ers, where he ran for 59 yards after a botched tackle call.
Chadron State renamed their stadium 'Elliott Field at Don Beebe Stadium' in his honor in 2000.