An old man watches the sun set over the Arkansas countryside. After a long and full life that saw many changes in his world, his love for football remained the same. College football is something that he always wanted to play. But he was told he was not good enough. After being turned down by some top teams, he finally got drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in the 1959 NFL Draft. And the rest is history.

He quickly became one of the best football players in the country and played 12 seasons for the Rams. The old man never forgot the day he proved those wrong who told him he was not good enough. The legend died peacefully, knowing he never gave up on his dream.

Death Of A Legend

With a heavy heart, the world bids farewell to Eddie Meador, the ex-Rams cornerback, who died at 86. Meador played from 1959 to 1970 and was selected in the NFL 1960s All-Decade Team. He was also a six-time Pro Bowler whose  46 interceptions remain the Rams’ franchise record to this day.

The news of Meador’s demise was announced by the Rams, who called him a “standout leader for (the) organization and the Los Angeles community throughout his 12-year career.” The Rams also commended Meador’s instincts and skills as a fearless captain, as well as his humility.

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Meador’s teammate and Hall of Famer Merlin Olsen once dubbed him “one of the finest defensive backs I have ever seen.” Olsen added that Meador had a “remarkable nose for the football,” which allowed him to come up with big plays again and again.

“He was also a fine leader and one of my favorite teammates,” Olsen added. He also maintained that Meador belonged in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Meador’s ability also made him the Rams leader in opponents’ fumbles recovered and blocked kicks. He attended Russellville High School in Arkansas and later played at Arkansas Tech from 1955-58.

When Meador was told he wasn’t good enough

During his career, one of Meador’s hardest times came after high school, when he was told he wasn’t good enough at football to cut it at any of the top teams. He was turned down by the top teams in A&M and Tulsa. However, upon returning to Arkansas, he was offered a scholarship. Meador claimed this happened mainly because one of his high school coaches had moved over to help the coach at Tech.

Indianapolis Colts player Raymond Berry called Meador fast, smart, and a top competitor. He added that Meador was a “big part of one of the best defenses of all time, put together by one of the best coaches of all time — George Allen.”

Any football fan – especially the Rams faithful – will definitely feel Meador’s loss. We hope that those near and dear to him can find peace in his absence.

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