Frederick “Fred” Williamson

Frederick Robert Williamson, also known as ”The Hammer”, starred in the American and National Football Leagues during the 1960’s. Born in Gary, Indiana, Williamson attended Froebel High School, where he ran track and played football. He graduated in 1956. After high school, Williamson left Gary for Evanston, Illinois to attend Northwestern University on a football scholarship. After playing college football for Northwestern in the late 1950s, Williamson was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Pittsburgh Steelers. As a rookie in the Steelers’ training camp, Williamson’s highly-aggressive play earned him his popular nickname when coaches asked him to stop "hammering“ their players. Williamson played one year for the Steelers in the National Football League in 1960. Next, he moved to the new American Football League. Williamson played four seasons for the AFL's Oakland Raiders, making the AFL All-Star team in 1961, 1962, and 1963. He also played three seasons for the AFL's Kansas City Chiefs. Williamson finished his eight-season pro football career in 1967 with a history of many hard tackles, passes knocked away, and 36 pass interceptions in 104 games. Williamson returned his interceptions for 479 yards and two touchdowns. Williamson retired after signing with the Montreal Alouettes of the Canadian Football League during the 1968 season. He went on to have a stellar acting and directing career in Hollywood which continues today.