Definition
Bill Enyart (November 30, 1947 – June 30, 2015) was an American football player who played as a fullback/running back at the collegiate level for Oregon State University and later in the National Football League (NFL).
Overview
Born in Salem, Oregon, Enyart attended Oregon State University, where he emerged as a dominant power runner. He earned first‑team All‑Pacific-8 Conference honors in 1968 and 1969, and was selected as a first‑team All‑American in 1969. Enyart helped the Oregon State Beavers win the 1968 Pac‑8 championship and played in the 1970 Rose Bowl. He was known for his bruising running style and was nicknamed “The Earthquake.” After college, Enyart entered the 1970 NFL Draft and was selected in the third round. He played professionally for the Cincinnati Bengals (1970–1971) and later for the Buffalo Bills (1972). Following his playing career, Enyart worked as a high school football coach and educator in Oregon.
Etymology/Origin
The name “Bill” is a common diminutive of “William.” “Enyart” is a surname of Germanic origin, likely derived from the personal name “Einhardt” or a variant thereof, meaning “strong in law” (ein = one, hart = hard/strong).
Characteristics
- Physical profile: 6 ft 1 in (185 cm) tall, 215 lb (98 kg) during his playing career.
- Playing style: Power‑running fullback noted for strong lower‑body drive, ability to break tackles, and short‑yardage effectiveness.
- Accolades: Two‑time All‑Pacific‑8 selection, 1969 First‑Team All‑American, induction into the Oregon State University Sports Hall of Fame (1995).
- Post‑career contributions: High‑school coaching in the Portland metropolitan area; involvement in youth sports programs.
Related Topics
- Oregon State Beavers football
- 1970 Rose Bowl
- NFL fullback position
- Pacific‑8 Conference (now Pac‑12) football history
- List of American football players who transitioned to coaching after retirement.