Fred Williamson

Frederick Robert Williamson (born March 5, 1938) played defensive back in professional football during the 1960s, competing in both the NFL and the American Football League. He played college football at Northwestern before spending one season with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Williamson then joined the Oakland Raiders of the AFL, where he earned three AFL All-Star selections in 1961, 1962, and 1963. He later played three seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs, winning the AFL championship in 1966. Throughout his career he was known by the nickname "the Hammer," a reflection of his aggressive, martial arts-influenced playing style. He retired from football in 1968.