Ernie Wheelwright (running back)

Ernest Lamour 'Wheels' Wheelwright (November 28, 1939 – May 1, 2001) was an American football player. He attended Southern Illinois University and served in the 101st Airborne Division (a.k.a. the Screaming Eagles).

Wheelwright had several careers but is chiefly remembered as an American football player who played as a running back for the New York Giants (1964–65), Atlanta Falcons (1966–67) and the New Orleans Saints (1967–70).

Following the end of his football career, Wheelwright appeared as an actor in films including The Longest Yard (1974), Trackdown (1976), The Greatest (1977) & Wildcats (1986).

Wheelwright was also owner of one of Atlanta's premier nightclubs in the 1960s, the Pink Pussycat Club. 'Wheels' hosted many visiting black artists and had the opportunity to cut a record 'Beggin You Back' for the local Gaye label owned by Johnny Brooks. In 1970 the NFL asked Wheelwright, then with the New Orleans Saints, to sell his interest on the grounds that continuing ownership would bring the NFL into disrepute.

Ernie Wheelwright died of cancer in Las Vegas on May 1, 2001, aged 61.