An outstanding all-around athlete at Shelby High School, Dave Whitsell earned letters in football, basketball, baseball and track. After graduation from the University of Indiana, Whitsell logged 12 seasons and 161 games as a defensive back with five NFL teams.
Whitsell led Indiana in receiving in 1957, highlighted by 107 yards (the fifth highest total in team history at the time) on three receptions versus Iowa.
A late round draft choice by the Detroit Lions before the 1958 season, Whitsell joined the Chicago Bears following three seasons with the Lions. He led the Bears with six interceptions in 1961, compiling 26 thefts in his six seasons, the fifth-highest total in team history. His 39-yard touchdown run following an interception in the 1963 regular season finale ensured a conference crown for the Bears and, eventually, an NFL championship.
Left unprotected by Chicago following the 1966 season, Whitsell was selected by the New Orleans Saints in the NFL’s expansion draft. In his first year with the Saints, the cornerback grabbed a league-leading 10 interceptions en route to UPI’s Comeback Player of the Year honors, the Saints MVP award and a berth on the Pro Bowl team. He retired following the 1969 season and was inducted into the Saints Hall of Fame in 1996.