William Frederick Bates was born on June 6, 1961 in Knoxville, TN.  A three-sport athlete, he excelled in football, basketball, and track at Farragut High School.  His team, the Admirals, went to the state semi-finals in 1978, where they lost a heartbreaker by one point.  After high school, he enrolled at the University of Tennessee, just like fellow Cowboy, Jason Witten.  As a four-year starter, Bates played free and strong safety.  Accolades include Freshman All-American, second team All-SEC his junior and senior seasons, named to the 100 Year All Tennessee team, and proudly owns the title of “hardest hitter.”

Jan 30, 1994; Atlanta, GA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Dallas Cowboys linebacker Ken Norton Jr. (51), Jim Jeffcoat (77) Michael Irvin (88), Bill Bates (40), Kevin Gogan (66) and Eddie Murray (3) at mid-field for the coin toss prior to Super Bowl XXVIII against the Buffalo Bills at the Georgia Dome. The Cowboys defeated the Bills 30-13. Mandatory Credit: US PRESSWIRE

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