Drafted in 1961 from tiny Philander Smith College, Elijah Pitts was an understudy to Paul Hornung and Tom Moore early in his Green Bay Packers career.

Along the way, the 6’1”, 205-pound Pitts became a valued runner, receiver and special teams player. Pitts led the Packers in kickoff returns in 1965 and in punt returns in 1969.

He rushed for 1,684 yards and scored 210 points in 10 seasons with Green Bay, from 1961-69 and in 1971. He scored two touchdowns against the Chiefs in Super Bowl I. After his playing career, Pitts was an assistant coach with the Rams and Bills. His son, Ron, was a Packers cornerback and punt returner in the 1980s.