Boston University

A former all-pro linebacker with the Oakland Raiders, Bill Budness has been regarded as one of the finest linebackers ever to wear the Scarlet and White for Boston University. A 1964 graduate of the Wheelock College of Education, "Billy Bud" earned first team All-New England and All-East honors his senior year in addition to being named to both the AP and UPI All-America third teams.

He also placed 11th in the balloting by the U.S. National Football Writers Association for the Most Outstanding Major College Lineman in the country.

Although playing on a losing team his senior year, Budness was credited with 91 tackles in eight games and was favorably compared by the pro scouts of the day to LeRoy Jordan of Alabama. His coach, Steve Sinko, pulled all stops in describing Bill's ability.

"He is the greatest linebacker I've ever coached," Sinko said, "and the best I've ever seen at Boston University."

Before turning pro as a fourth round draft choice with the Raiders, Budness captained the North's defensive unit in the annual North-South All Star Game. Named the winner of the Agganis Award as football's most valuable player in 1963, Budness was also voted to Boston University's Post-War All Time Football team in 1964 in a poll conducted among former Terrier football players. Eight other members of that All Star team have previously been elected to the Hall of Fame.

He went on to help the Raiders reach three-consecutive AFL title games from 1967-69 and went on to appear in the 1968 Super Bowl against the Green Bay Packers.