Cal Bears By The Numbers in the NFL Draft

6 of 7

Nov 14, 2015; Berkeley, CA, USA; Fireworks explode as the California Golden Bears players run onto the field between the band before the game against the Oregon State Beavers during the first quarter at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /

Two represents the number of times that Cal guard Jim Cullom was drafted. Known as “Truck”, Cullom was drafted in 1949 in the 24th round (238th overall), and in 1950 in the 17th round (214th overall), both times by the Washington Redskins.

Before coming to Cal to play football, Cullom served in the Marine Corps, and took part in World War II. Upon his return to the United States, he went to Cal and played for three years as a guard and kicker. He was a starter on two Rose Bowl teams under head coach Pappy Waldorf, but the team was unsuccessful in both. Cullom was named an All-Coast tackle in 1950.

He never played for the Redskins, but in 1951, he took part in two games for the New York Yanks. Following that season, he was recalled by the Marines, and fought in the Korean War. He was injured in battle, and according to his former teammate Chris Markey, “they were picking shrapnel out of his hip for years“. After returning to the United States again, he went back to Cal, where he served as an assistant coach on the football team and the rugby team (a team for which he also played).

In 1995, Cullom was inducted into the University of California Athletic Hall of Fame. Three years later in 1998, he passed away at the age of 72 after a long battle with cancer.

Next: Exclusive Club

Home/Cal Bears