Education
Baynham attended North Augusta High School.
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Craig Baynham
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He played college football at Georgia Technical and was drafted in the 12th round of the 1966 NFL Draft. After playing in only two games as a junior, he had an excellent senior season, that earned him the opportunity to play in the South Carolina All-Star game, where he suffered a knee injury. As a freshman at Georgia Technical, besides dealing with his knee rehab, he also broke his arm playing against Clemson University.
As a sophomore during the fall, he injured the same knee and required surgery.
He enjoyed a healthy season as a junior, only to suffer a separated shoulder during his last year in college, that ended up limiting his playing efficiency. Dallas Cowboys
Baynham was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the twelfth round of the 1966 NFL Draft with a future pick, which allowed the team to draft him before his college eligibility was over.
As a rookie in 1967, because of his speed, he was listed as a split end behind Bob Hayes. He also replaced an injured Dan Reeves in the Eastern Conference Championship game against the Cleveland Browns, scoring 3 touchdowns.
In 1968, Reeves was the starter at halfback, until week 4 when he tore ligaments in his right knee and was lost for the year.
Baynham took over starting 8 games and had his best season in the NFL, registering 438 rushing yards, 29 receptions for 380 yards and 8 touchdowns. On January 26, 1970, he was traded to the Chicago Bears along with cornerback Philosophy Clark, in exchange for a second round draft choice (used to draft Bob Asher). Chicago Bears
In 1970, he played in 5 games before dislocating a tendon in his ankle.
On August 17, 1971, he broke a left wrist in practice that sidelined him for a month.
On September 13, Baynham was waived injured after suffering torn ligaments in his right shoulder during a practice. Saint Louis Cardinals
On May 3, 1972 after a year out of football, the Saint Louis Cardinals claimed him on waivers from the Chicago Bears, but would miss half the season with a shoulder injury.
On June 9, 1973, he announced his retirement.
Achievements
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In 1969, with Reeves struggling after having off-season knee surgery and Baynham suffering from bruised ribs, it opened the door for rookie Calvin Hill to win the starting halfback job in the second preseason game. His son, Grant Baynham, played for the Georgia Technical as well, receiving the Robert Cup, an award given to school"s top student athlete.
