Creston Whitaker
Multi-Sport Athlete and NFL Player with Jacksonville Roots
Born: August 12, 1947 (Quincy, IL)
Profession: Professional Football Player; Athlete
Known For: NFL career with Los Angeles Rams and New Orleans Saints
High School: Jacksonville High School
College Years: 1965–1970
SUMMARY
Creston Whitaker is a former professional football player and standout multi-sport athlete with strong ties to Jacksonville, Illinois. Known for his achievements in basketball and football at both the high school and collegiate levels, Whitaker went on to play in the National Football League (NFL) before serving his community as a firefighter.
2008
Posthumous recognition by medical society
1940
Hospital reached peak scale and regional impact
1933
Moved to Springfield; founded newspaper
1922
Hospital reached peak scale and regional impact
1909
Opened New Home Sanitarium
1897 - 1902
Served at Tuskegee Institute
1875
Born in Shorter, Alabama
1947
Born in Quincy, Illinois
1965
All-state basketball selection at Jacksonville High School
1965 - 1967
Attended Southern Illinois University; part of NIT championship team
1967 - 1970
Played at University of
North Texas
1970
signed with los angeles rams
1971 - 1972
played for new orleans saints
1983
Inducted into Jacksonville High School Athletic Hall of Fame
1994
Inducted into North Texas Athletics Hall of Fame
1994
Inducted into North Texas Athletics Hall of Fame
Early Life and Athletic Career
Although born in Quincy, Illinois, Creston Whitaker developed his athletic reputation in Jacksonville, Illinois, where he attended Jacksonville High School. He was a standout multi-sport athlete, earning all-state honors in basketball in 1965, along with honorable mention recognition in both football and baseball.
Whitaker’s athletic excellence earned him induction into the Jacksonville High School Athletic Hall of Fame in 1983, recognizing his impact across multiple sports.
College Career
Whitaker accepted a scholarship to Southern Illinois University Carbondale in 1965, where he was part of the university’s 1966–67 National Invitation Tournament (NIT) championship team. That team included future NBA players Walt Frazier and Dick Garrett.
After two seasons, Whitaker transferred to the University of North Texas, where he lettered from 1967 to 1970. During his senior season (1969–70), he averaged 16.9 points per game through the first 20 games, highlighting his continued success on the basketball court.
Professional Football Career
Following his college career, Whitaker signed as an undrafted free agent with the Los Angeles Rams of the National Football League. Playing as a wide receiver, he scored his first professional touchdown in a preseason victory over the Cleveland Browns on a four-yard pass from quarterback Karl Sweetan.
Whitaker later returned to the Rams for the 1971 season before spending the 1971 and 1972 seasons with the New Orleans Saints. His time in the NFL marked the culmination of a diverse and accomplished athletic career that spanned multiple sports.
Later Life and Legacy
After retiring from professional football, Whitaker transitioned into public service, working as a firefighter in Dallas, Texas. His achievements in athletics continued to be recognized in the years following his playing career.
In 1994, he was inducted into the University of North Texas Athletics Hall of Fame, honoring his contributions to the school’s sports programs. His earlier induction into the Jacksonville High School Athletic Hall of Fame further solidified his legacy as one of the area’s most accomplished athletes.
DISCLAIMER
Some historical accounts vary due to limited surviving documentation. The information presented here reflects the most widely accepted research available.
