Hall of Fame
- Induction:
- 2024
- Class:
- 1980
Bill Whitaker was a standout in a star-studded defensive backfield for the Tigers from 1977-80, playing on three bowl teams. As a senior, he led the Big Eight Conference with six pass interceptions and was all-Big Eight and a first-team All-American – Mizzou's last defensive back to be a first-teamer. For his career, he intercepted 14 passes which was tied for the school record at the time of his graduation. Twice he set an MU single-game record with three picks – both coming against San Diego State in 1979 and again in 1980. Whitaker was also Mizzou's top punt returner. He was drafted in 1981 by the Green Bay Packers and played six years in the NFL – three each with the Packers and the St. Louis Cardinals. His older brother Jim also played defensive back for the Tigers and was inducted into the MU Intercollegiate Athletics Hall of Fame in 2000. The Whitakers are one of five sets of brothers in the hall. Bill Whitaker passed away in October 2022.
