Check out the new hit series 4th and Long featuring Bill Bates.

PRO: 1996 Dallas Cowboys Special Teams Captain, Bill Bates returned for his fourteenth 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 Cowboys fans. 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. 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. In 1995 Bill Bates was named by the fans and his team-mates the "Unsung Hero" award, which is given to one player from each NFL team. He has also been the recipient of the Dallas All Sports Association Courage Award. Bill Bates has been selected for the All-Madden Team for the last twelve years and made the roster of the Madden-Summerall "ALL DALLAS COWBOY TEAM."

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

PERSONAL: William Frederick Bates was born and raised in Knoxville, TN where he starred in football, basketball and as a sprinter on the track team at Farragut High School. He was all-state in football and basketball. Bill and his wife Denise have five children and live in Dallas. Bill was named "Best Dad in Dallas" in June of 1994. He served as the Chairperson for the March of Dimes "Blue Jeans for Babies" campaign for healthier babies and Bank One "Spirit of Christmas" campaign which provides gifts for abused and needy children. Bill was the spokesperson for the Children's Advocacy Center golf tournament in 1993 and headed the Wednesday's Child golf tournament for several years benefiting homeless children. He also has donated his time and energy to various other charitable organizations including: United Way, Children's Medical Center, Scottish Rite Hospital, FCA, Campus Crusade and Young Life. Recently, Bill has started his own organization to benefit children. The Bill Bates Foundation For Children was created to raise money for worthwhile organizations that help children. Contact our ranch for donation information.