Preston Pearson

Preston James Pearson, born January 17, 1945, in Freeport, Illinois, is an American former professional football player who played running back in the National Football League. Over a 14-year NFL career he suited up for the Baltimore Colts, the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys, and appeared in five Super Bowls with three different teams.

Pearson attended Freeport High School, where he received All-State honors as the 6-foot center of the basketball team. As a senior in 1963, he was unanimously chosen Big Eight All-Conference in basketball, leading the conference in scoring and his team in rebounding. He also played football as both an offensive and defensive back, and competed on the track team in the pole vault, high jump and broad jump. His older brother, Rufus Pearson Jr., starred on the school's football and track teams. Pearson went on to play college basketball for the Illinois Fighting Illini.

The difficulties he faced during his professional career drew comment from Pittsburgh sportswriter Phil Musick, who remarked that "Pearson has had more bad breaks than a glassblower with cold sores."