Former Columbia High School, Ole Miss and Buffalo Bills star Jim Dunaway died in the early morning May 12, his family confirmed, after suffering from lung cancer.
The defensive tackle won a national championship at Ole Miss in 1960 and was selected as an All-American in 1962 before advancing to the professional level. The 6-foot-5, 275-pound space eater was selected third overall in the first round in the NFL Draft in 1963 by the Minnesota Vikings but opted to play in the AFL with the Buffalo Bills after being selected with the ninth overall pick (first pick in the second round).
Dunaway was a four-time AFL All-Star (1965-1968), first-team All-Pro in 1966, won two AFL championships in 1964 and 1965 and won Super Bowl VII with the Miami Dolphins in the NFL in his final season.
The long time Sandy Hook resident played in an era before tackles and sacks were tallied but was part of a defensive line for the Bills that held opposing rushers without a touchdown for a record 17 consecutive games in 1964 and 1965.
