Sullivan “Pete” Mills

All-American Running Back (1961-62)

Pete Mills grew up in a small south central Texas town called Calvert.  He attended junior and senior high school in Ft. Worth, Texas.  In school, Pete participated in track, basketball and football.  Pete’s senior year in high school, he was selected All-District, as well as All-State as a 160 pound fullback.

Because of his size, he was not offered any scholarships after high school.  A month before the beginning of the fall semester, Coach Dean Pryor was in Texas for the National NJCAA track meet.  Pete was introduced to Coach Pryor by a former teammate who was attending Coffeyville Community College on a track scholarship.  Coach Pryor offered Pete a scholarship, and his college career was started at CCC.

Pete’s freshman year was uneventful except for being elected treasurer of the freshman class.  “There were so many people in the community who took me under their wings to lead me down the straight and narrow path.  Uncle Doc, Aunt Elsie Smith and Lonnie & Oselle Scott treated me like one of their sons.”

After a 9-2 season, Sullivan led his team to an 8-2 season and the conference championship his sophomore year.  He was the leading scorer in the nation and was selected on the Junior College All-American Team.  He finished his college career at Wichita State University where he led the conference in yards per carry and was selected All-Conference.

In 1965, Sullivan was drafted in the 12th round of the NFL draft by the Denver Broncos, but the Buffalo Bills obtained his draft rights.  Pete was a defensive back and kick returner for the Bills for three years.  He played one season for Denver and finished his professional career with the Chicago Bears.

After finishing his football career, he moved to New Jersey where he was a high school teacher and coached football.  In 1977 he returned to Buffalo, New York and worked for the city government until he retired in 1998.

Pete has three children, Sullivan Ray, Sullynna Wychelle and Justin.  He also has two grandchildren.  Pete and his wife, Judy, live in Buffalo, New York where he is happily retired.