PROFESSIONAL CAREER: One of the NFL'S true success stories, Bill has overcome the odds his entire career, starting in 1983 when he made the team as a long shot free agent rookie. Bill immediately became a visible figure on the field with his ferocious special teams play. It was Bates' notoriety that helped propel the NFL into adding a spot on the Pro Bowl teams for Special Teams coverage players. In 1984 he became the first NFC player so honored.

He was a very visible member of the Dallas nickel defense at the middle linebacker position. His last minute interception at Chicago's Soldier Field preserved Dallas' 17-13 win in the team's triumphant return to the play-offs after a six years absence, and will surely go down as one of the big plays in the re-building of the Dallas Cowboys.

Prior to the 1990 season, Jimmy Johnson tabbed Bill as the Cowboy's Special Teams Captain. Also, as Barry Switzer took over he made sure Bill's role would remain the same and held the position for Coach Switzer's five-year tenure. Bill, along with Ed "Too Tall Jones" share the NFL record of playing 15 years for the Dallas Cowboys Football Club.

Bill has been a perennial selection for the All-Madden Team. Along with being on the Madden/Summeral "ALL DALLAS COWBOY TEAM", in 1999 Bill was inducted into the Madden Hall of Fame. Starting with six years playing for legendary coach Tom Landry, Bill was an inspirational team leader and he exemplified the qualities of perseverance and dedication every time he stepped onto the field.

In 1995 the fans and his teammates presented Bill with the "Unsung Hero" Award, which is given to one player from each NFL team. He has also bmeen the recipient of the Dallas All Sports Association Courage Award.

The 1993 season had seen him return from a disabling knee injury that prematurely ended his 1992 season. After the 1993 season Bill was selected by his teammates to receive the Ed Block Courage award for successfully overcoming his injury.

He was named the winner of the Bob Lilly Award four years in a row, from 1990 - 1994. This award is selected by a vote of the fans and annually goes to the Cowboy player who displays leadership and character on and off the field.

In 1997 Dallas Cowboys Special Teams Captain, Bill Bates finished his fifteenth successful season in the NFL. A member of the 1992, 1993, and 1995 Super Bowl Champions team, Bill has been a long time favorite of Dallas Cowboy fans.

In 1998, after 15 years as a player with the Dallas Cowboy, Bill Bates successful moved into his new career as a coach with the Dallas Cowboys. For two years, Bill was an assistant Special Teams and Nickel Back coach with the team. In 2000, Bill was promoted to the Cowboys' Secondary Coach.

After twenty-one years with the Dallas Cowboys Bill became Special Teams Coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars from 2003 - 2004.

COLLEGE: Bill was a four year starting safety at Tennessee. He was named second-team All-Southern Conference his junior and senior seasons. In 2004 he was awarded a position on the 100-Year All Tennessee Team. Bates developed a reputation as the Volunteers' hardest hitter and surest tackler. He intercepted nine passes and recovered six fumbles during his college career.

PERSONAL: William Fredrick Bates was born and raised in Knoxville, Tennessee where he starred in football, basketball, and as a printer on the track team at Farragut High School. He was All-State in football and basketball.

Bill and his wife, Denise, met in college, married in 1985, and have five children; triplets Graham, Hunter and Brianna, Tanner and Dillon. In 2003 the Bates family moved from Dallas to Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida.

Bill and Denise have devoted countless hours to various charitable and civic organizations. A few of these are United Way, Children's Medical Center, Scottish Rite Hospital, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Campus Crusade and Young Life.

The Bates family is very involved in their church and local community organizations in Florida. Bill is a partner in a temperature controlled shoulder pad company, custom home business, and a video streaming sports network company. He is also the Special Teams coach for Ponte Vedra High School football team.

Setting Your Sights - Never Letting Go: Bill Bates speaks of his childhood, his dreams to play football and about his family. He talks about why he went with the Dallas Cowboys and what happened along the way. He gets all types of audiences laughing with his stories.