Don Beebe

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Beebe's career is defined by his resilience during the Bills' historic run of four consecutive Super Bowl appearances. Although he missed Super Bowl XXV due to injury, he appeared in XXVI, XXVII, and XXVIII with Buffalo. His most celebrated contribution occurred in Super Bowl XXVII against the Dallas Cowboys. With the Bills trailing 52–17, defensive tackle Leon Lett recovered a fumble and advanced toward the end zone. Lett began celebrating prematurely by holding the ball out to his right side. Beebe streaked down the field and knocked the ball from Lett's hands just before he crossed the goal line. The loose ball went through the end zone for a touchback, preventing what would have been a Super Bowl-record 58 points plus an extra point. He also caught two passes for 50 yards, including a 40-yard touchdown reception from Frank Reich earlier in the game.

In Their Own Story

Beebe's journey to the NFL began at Chadron State College after transferring from Western Illinois University. In his sole season with the Eagles, he set school records for all-purpose yards (1,661), points scored (90), and touchdowns (15). He became the first player in school history to score a touchdown in every game. Drafted 82nd overall by the Bills in 1989, Beebe posted impressive speed and agility stats at the pre-draft combine. Over nine NFL seasons, he caught 219 passes for 3,416 yards and scored 25 touchdowns total (23 receiving, one kickoff return, one fumble recovery). After six seasons with Buffalo, he joined the Panthers in 1995 before finishing his career with Green Bay. In 1996, as a Packer, he recorded 39 receptions for 699 yards and four touchdown receptions.

Reader's Guide

Following retirement, Beebe founded House of Speed, LLC in 1998 to train athletes in speed and character. The company expanded to eleven states by 2006. He also coached at Aurora Christian Schools alongside his brother David (defensive coordinator) and father Dan (athletic director). Under their leadership, the Eagles reached their first state championship appearance in 2008 as a 4A runner-up. In 2011, Beebe led the team to an IHSA Class 3A State Championship with a 34–7 win over Mt. Carmel. He secured a second straight title in 2012 by defeating Tolono-Unity 42–12 before stepping down after the 2013 season with a 97–26 record. In November 2018, he was named head coach at Aurora University, replacing Rick Ponx. Beebe also authored 'Six Rings from Nowhere' with Denise Crosby.

Did You Know?

• In Super Bowl XXVII, Beebe prevented a Dallas touchdown by stripping the ball from Leon Lett just before Lett crossed the goal line.
• Beebe set Chadron State school records for most all-purpose yards (1,661), points scored (90), and touchdowns (15) in his sole season there.
• He caught a 40-yard touchdown pass from Frank Reich during Super Bowl XXVII despite the Bills losing 52–17.
• Beebe's only kickoff return touchdown came in 1996 with the Packers against the San Francisco 49ers, where he ran for 59 yards after a botched tackle call.
• Chadron State renamed their stadium 'Elliott Field at Don Beebe Stadium' in his honor in 2000.