Former Rams running back Jim Bertelsen passed away at the age of 71 this week.
Bertelsen spent five years in the NFL, all with the Rams. He was a second-round pick in 1972, going 30th overall to Los Angeles. His best season came in 1973 when he rushed for 854 yards and four touchdowns, while also catching 19 passes for 267 yards and one touchdown. He earned a Pro Bowl selection, the only of his career.
In his five seasons in L.A., Bertelsen carried the ball 614 times for 2,466 yards and scored 16 touchdowns on the ground. He also appeared in five playoff games, rushing for 136 yards on 32 carries.
Bertelsen went to the University of Texas where he won two National Championships and was inducted into the Texas Hall of Honor in 1996.
A great Longhorn has been lost with the passing of Jim Bertelsen, a three-year letterman (1969-71), two-time All-SWC honoree, 1969 and 1970 National Champion, three-time SWC Champion and 1996 Texas Hall of Honor inductee. Sending our condolences to his family and Longhorn Nation. pic.twitter.com/U9kXOihU1u
— Texas Football (@TexasFootball) May 7, 2021