Eastern Wayne Today

Wayne State University's head football coach, Tyrone Wheatley, has been chosen for induction into the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) National Hall of Fame. This announcement marks Wheatley as the ninth individual from Michigan to receive this honor and the second associated with Wayne State University, following former softball coach Diane Laffey.

Wheatley's athletic career began at Dearborn Heights Robichaud High School in Michigan, where he excelled in multiple sports. As a running back on the football team, he accumulated 4,257 yards and 67 touchdowns over three seasons. His senior year was particularly notable, leading his team to a state championship while playing multiple roles on the field.

In basketball, Wheatley averaged 14 points and 16 rebounds per game during his senior year and earned an honorable mention on the All-Metro Detroit team. However, it was in track and field that Wheatley truly distinguished himself. He won nine Michigan High School Athletic Association individual championships over three years and set several records.

Mick McCabe of the Detroit Free Press praised Wheatley's high school achievements: "But of all the great athletes Michigan has produced over the last 50 years, one stands above the rest: Tyrone Wheatley."

Following high school, Wheatley continued his athletic career at the University of Michigan. In football, he rushed for 4,178 yards and scored 53 touchdowns. In track and field, he became a Big Ten Conference outdoor champion and earned All-American honors.

Wheatley's professional football career included being drafted by the New York Giants in 1995 and later playing for the Oakland Raiders. His most successful season came in 2000 when he rushed for over 1,000 yards with Oakland.

After retiring from professional play, Wheatley transitioned into coaching. He recently completed his first season as head football coach at Wayne State University.