Tyrone Wheatley, American football player and college football coach

Tyrone Anthony Wheatley Sr., born on January 19, 1972, is a highly respected figure in American football, renowned both for his distinguished playing career as a running back and his ongoing contributions as a coach. Currently, he serves as the running backs coach for the Denver Broncos in the National Football League (NFL).

Before joining the Broncos, Wheatley held a significant leadership role as the head coach at Morgan State University, showcasing his progression from positional coach to leading a collegiate program. His professional playing career spanned an impressive 10 seasons in the NFL, where he left a lasting mark as a formidable running back.

Early Life and Collegiate Excellence

Wheatley's exceptional athletic prowess was evident from his high school years. During his time at Hamilton J. Robichaud High School in Dearborn Heights, Michigan, he achieved the rare distinction of being named Michigan's athlete of the year in both football and track and field. This dual excellence underscored his remarkable versatility and natural athleticism across multiple sports.

His collegiate journey continued at the prestigious University of Michigan, where he further solidified his legacy across multiple sports. As a pivotal member of the Wolverines, Wheatley earned first-team All-Big Ten Conference honors for both the Big Ten Champion football team and the track teams, highlighting his impact in two demanding disciplines.

In football, Wheatley established himself as one of the most prolific rushers in Michigan history. He ranks among the Wolverines' all-time rushing leaders in numerous critical categories, including career rushing yards and touchdowns. His name is also prominently featured multiple times within the Big Ten football record book, a testament to his consistent high-level performance.

Throughout his collegiate career, Wheatley was named to All-Big Ten teams in both football and track and field a remarkable total of four times, a rare feat demonstrating his sustained dominance. His contributions helped secure significant team and individual accolades, as he earned portions of seven Big Ten championships:

• Two team awards for football, reflecting the Wolverines' success during his tenure.
• One team award for indoor track, showcasing his contributions beyond the gridiron.
• One individual award for the 110-meter hurdles, where he excelled as a track athlete.
• Three awards specifically recognizing his outstanding individual statistical performances in football, such as leading the conference in specific rushing categories or total yards.

Distinguished NFL Playing Career

Following a highly decorated collegiate career, Tyrone Wheatley was a top prospect in the 1995 NFL Draft. He was selected by the New York Giants in the first round, marking the beginning of his professional journey in the NFL. Wheatley spent four seasons with the Giants, contributing his powerful running style to their offense.

In 1999, he was traded to the Miami Dolphins, though his tenure there was brief; he was cut before the 1999 season officially began. This led him to sign with the Oakland Raiders, where he truly flourished and established himself as a premier running back in the league. With the Raiders, Wheatley led the team in rushing three times, becoming a cornerstone of their offensive attack during a successful period for the franchise.

During his impactful time with the Raiders, he twice finished among the NFL's top ten players in rushing touchdowns, demonstrating his consistent ability to find the end zone. Over his entire NFL career, which spanned from 1995 to 2004, Wheatley amassed over 6,500 total all-purpose yards. This impressive figure includes significant contributions as a dynamic running back, collecting rushing and receiving yards, and as an effective kickoff returner, showcasing his versatility and value on the field.

Transition to Coaching and Leadership

After retiring from his successful NFL playing career, Tyrone Wheatley seamlessly transitioned into coaching, bringing his extensive on-field experience and deep understanding of the game to the sidelines. His coaching journey began with a heartfelt return to his roots, as he took on a coaching role at his high school alma mater, Dearborn Heights' Hamilton J. Robichaud High School, where he started giving back to his community and developing young talent.

Wheatley then ascended through various levels of coaching, building a diverse resume that includes both collegiate and NFL roles. His expertise, particularly with running backs, has been highly sought after. His coaching stops at the collegiate level include:

• Ohio Northern Polar Bears (running backs coach)
• Eastern Michigan Eagles (running backs coach)
• Syracuse Orange (running backs coach)
• Michigan Wolverines (running backs coach), a return to his beloved alma mater.

Beyond college football, Wheatley also brought his coaching talents to the NFL, serving as running backs coach for two different franchises prior to his current role:

• Buffalo Bills
• Jacksonville Jaguars

Prior to his current role with the Denver Broncos, Wheatley also took on the significant challenge of leading a program as the head coach at Morgan State University, further demonstrating his leadership capabilities and commitment to developing young athletes.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tyrone Wheatley Sr.

Who is Tyrone Wheatley Sr.?

Tyrone Anthony Wheatley Sr. is a prominent American football coach and former professional running back. He is currently the running backs coach for the Denver Broncos of the NFL, following a distinguished playing career and various coaching roles at both collegiate and professional levels.

What was Tyrone Wheatley Sr.'s playing career like?

Wheatley was a standout athlete from high school through college at the University of Michigan, where he excelled in both football and track. He was a first-round pick in the 1995 NFL Draft by the New York Giants and later had a highly productive tenure with the Oakland Raiders, totaling over 6,500 all-purpose yards over 10 NFL seasons (1995-2004).

What teams has Tyrone Wheatley Sr. coached for?

Tyrone Wheatley Sr. has coached at multiple levels. At the high school level, he coached his alma mater, Hamilton J. Robichaud High School. In college, he served as running backs coach for Ohio Northern, Eastern Michigan, Syracuse, and Michigan, and as head coach for Morgan State University. In the NFL, he has been the running backs coach for the Buffalo Bills, Jacksonville Jaguars, and currently the Denver Broncos.

What notable achievements did Tyrone Wheatley Sr. have at the University of Michigan?

At Michigan, Wheatley was a first-team All-Big Ten selection in both football and track, accumulating four All-Big Ten honors. He earned portions of seven Big Ten championships, including team titles in football and indoor track, an individual 110-meter hurdles title, and awards for individual football statistical performances. He remains one of the Wolverines' all-time rushing leaders.