Richard Gilliam

Richard Gilliam

Richard Gilliam
(Football, 1957)


The 1950's were the most dominant era in the history of Danbury High School football. The Copper Crotty led Hatters compiled a remarkable 72-9-4 record in the decade including four undefeated seasons. There were many great players to contribute to the Hatters' success during that decade such as Roger Schmiedel, George Radachowsky, Fred Morlock and Lonnie Young. Of all those who played for Danbury during this "Golden Age" in the '50's the leading rusher and scorer in the entire decade was 1957 graduate and New Haven Register All Stater Dick Gilliam. Dick's DHS career numbers during the defense dominated era have stood the test of time as currently he is 7th in career rushing yards with 1934 and 5th in career TD's with 34. The three year starter led the team in rushing yards and TD's in both the 1955 and 1956 seasons. Dick also achieved another even more historic milestone as he was the first African American to be elected President of his senior class in 1956. After graduation Dick joined the United States Navy and was a machinist on his way to a long career in the military when his life was suddenly cut short by a car accident. One of the all time greats in DHS football history-Dick Gilliam.