Cleveland Gary

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Cleveland Everette Gary (born May 4, 1966), also known as Cleveland Edward Gary, is an American former professional football player who was a running back in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Georgia Bulldogs and Miami Hurricanes. Gary was selected in the first round of the 1989 NFL draft by the Los Angeles Rams.^[1] He led the NFL in touchdowns in 1990 with 14. In 1992 he rushed for 1,125 yards and caught 52 passes.

Gary attended South Fork High School, where he was an outstanding baseball and football player. In baseball, he played shortstop for the South Fork Bulldogs and was a tremendous power hitter. Against archrival Martin County High School his 450 ft home run over center field wall is noted as the longest hit home run in Bulldog history. In football, he was a Parade Magazine High School Football All-American. In his senior season, he rushed for 2,100 yards and scored 30 touchdowns. He was one of the nations most sought out athletes coming out of high school.

Gary began his college career at the University of Georgia, where in his first start as a true freshman against Clemson he rushed for 101 yards and scored two touchdowns. After his freshman year at Georgia, he made the cover of Inside Sports Magazine and was touted as the best running back in the SEC as a true freshman. After his freshman season at Georgia he transferred to the University of Miami, where he became a first-team All-American and set a school record for most catches (57) ever in a single season by a running back that stills stands. He was voted MVP of the Senior Bowl. Gary also played one season of college baseball for the Hurricanes.

Gary was selected by the Los Angeles Rams with the 26th pick of the 1989 NFL draft.^[2]

Gary was offered a six-figure baseball contract from the Atlanta Braves in 1989. He played one season of minor league baseball with the rookie-level Bradenton Expos as a left fielder and designated hitter.^[3] Gary displayed tremendous power as a hitter.

Gary became part owner of the National Indoor Football League, an indoor football organization that ran for several seasons in the 2000s. Some of the teams included: Palm Beach Waves, Port St. Lucie Mustangs, Green Cove Lions, Beaumont Drillers, Fort Worth Sixers, San Antonio Steers, Wyoming Cavalry, Fort Myers Tarpons, Fayetteville Guard, LA Lynx, and San Diego Shock Waves, however, the NIFL ended operations in the 2007 season.