Bio

Born November 4, 1950, Willie James Buchanon was born and raised in Oceanside, California, where he was a graduate of Oceanside High School. He attended Mira Costa College, where he was a Junior College All-American in 1969. Buchanon later played football and graduated from San Diego State University. He was voted the Most Valuable Player in the East-West Shrine Game of 1971. Sporting News named the San Diego State All-American to its All-Time collegiate team.

Willie Buchanon was selected by Green Bay in the first-round of the 1972 draft, the 7th overall pick. He was the 1972 NFL AP Defensive Rookie of the Year and a three time All-Pro. In 1978, the Packers defensive back led the NFC with 9 interceptions, including four on September 24, 1978 against the San Diego Chargers that tied him for the still-standing NFL record for most interceptions in a game, first set by Sammy Baugh in 1943. Buchanon spent his last four pro years with the San Diego Chargers, where he tied the NFL all-time record for most recoveries in a game in 1981.

Buchanon was named to the Green Bay Packers All-Time team, Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame, San Diego State Hall of Fame, San Diego Hall of Champions, California State Junior College Hall of Fame and Oceanside High School Hall of Fame. He is now a realtor in San Diego.