Willie Gault

Speed merchant and Super Bowl champion who also excelled on the track.

Willie James Gault (born September 5, 1960) is an American former professional football player who was a wide receiver in the National Football League (NFL) for 11 seasons with the Chicago Bears and Los Angeles Raiders. Considered one of the fastest NFL players of all time, Gault was a member of the Bears team that won Super Bowl XX. He was also a member of the U.S. Olympic team that boycotted the 1980 Olympics.

Quick Facts

Born: 5 September 1960
Birthplace: Griffin, Georgia, U.S.
Position: Wide receiver
High school: Griffin
College: Tennessee
Draft year: 1983
Draft round: 1
Draft pick: 18

Lore & Background

Gault played college football for the Tennessee Volunteers from 1979 to 1982. He led the Vols in all-purpose yardage as a sophomore, junior and senior, and was named to the All-American team in 1982. He still holds numerous school kickoff return records. Gault married his high school sweetheart, writer/author/actress Dainnese Mathis Gault in 1983. They were married from 1983 to 2002 and have two children. His youngest child is rising painter, artist, Gabe Gault. Gault is currently pursuing a career as an actor. He also remains active in masters athletics, setting world masters records in the 100 meter and 200 meter dash for the 45–49, the 50–54, and the 55–59 age groups.

Reader's Guide

Gault was selected by the Chicago Bears in the first round (18th-overall pick) in the 1983 NFL draft. He played for the Bears from 1983 to 1987 (traded before the 1988 season). He then played for the Los Angeles Raiders from 1988 to 1993.

Did You Know?

Gault was part of a world record-setting 4 × 100 meter relay team at the 1983 World Championships.
He helped organize teammates to perform the 'Super Bowl Shuffle' in 1985.