Bill Callahan (defensive back)
Template:Short description Template:Use mdy dates Template:Infobox NFL player
William Timothy Callahan (born April 11, 1964) is an American former professional football defensive back who played for the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for Pittsburgh Panthers while at University of Pittsburgh.[1]
Callahan switched from a running back to his best known position as a defensive back in 1983, after a suggestion from his coach Joe Naunchik, although many did not initially understand his choice to change position. Callahan became the starting favourite in that position after his predecessor Ray Weatherspoon was dropped following an altercation.[2]
In 1986, he was favourably compared to Tom Flynn and was described by The Pittsburgh Press as being "one of the brightest young safeties in the NFL". He was recorded as running the Template:Convert-dash in 4.48 seconds, making him among the fastest safeties playing at that time. His time was comparable to then top-rated safety Craig Swoope, who did the same run in 4.57 seconds.[3]