William Wheeler
William “Bill” Wheeler (later Dr William Wheeler) starred in football at Pikeville High School in the early 1950s and was inducted into its Hall of Fame in 1988.
Wheeler played football at the University of Kentucky as a tackle for both Coach Bear Bryant and his successor Coach Blanton Collier. Records show he lettered in 1953, 1954, and 1955. Bryant left UK in February 1954.
Wheeler was an Academic All-SEC in 1954 and 1955 and had a B+ average while studying prelaw. He later studied medicine and did his residency at Vanderbilt University, and served in the Air Force. He later joined Lexington Orthopedic Associates and is credited with performing the first full hip transplant in Lexington.
Bill is credited as one of the leaders of the team in 1954 and 1955. He participated in the Senior Christian Bowl in 1955 in Murfreesboro, TN.
Wheeler was drafted 4th in the 25th round, #293 overall by the Chicago Cardinals in 1956. Dr Bill Wheeler passed away in 2014.
