This week in South Middlesex County history.
Born January 12, 1951, in South River, New Jersey
Drew Pearson was born on January 12, 1951, in South River, New Jersey. He attended South River High School, where he played football with Joe Theismann. Pearson started as a wide receiver, then became the team’s quarterback. He also played basketball and baseball. He graduated in 1969. He went on to play college football at the University of Tulsa, switching to wide receiver as a junior. In 1973, he joined the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted free agent. Pearson became a starting wide receiver and helped lead the team to three Super Bowl appearances. He caught 489 passes for 7,822 yards and 48 touchdowns in his career. He made key plays in several playoff games and was named All-Pro three times. In 1984, a car accident ended his career. Pearson was inducted into the Cowboys Ring of Honor in 2011 and the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2021. His story began in South River.