Education
At 6 ft 3 in (191 m) Witcher was a wide receiver who first played two years at Bakersfield College, then graduated from University of California, Los Los Angeles Witcher played in 8 NFL seasons from 1966 to 1973 for the 49ers.
At 6 ft 3 in (191 m) Witcher was a wide receiver who first played two years at Bakersfield College, then graduated from University of California, Los Los Angeles Witcher played in 8 NFL seasons from 1966 to 1973 for the 49ers.
Witcher was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the 8th round (119th overall) of the 1966 NFL Draft. Witcher was a backup to Dave Parks and Bernie Casey during his rookie season. After Casey was traded to the Los Angeles Rams in 1967, Witcher moved into the starting lineup and led the 49ers with 46 receptions.
Witcher followed up with 39 receptions in 1968.
Witcher started 1969 as a backup to Gene Washington and Clifton McNeil, but by the 6th game he moved back into the starting lineup ahead of McNeil. He ended up with 33 receptions in 1969.
Against Cleveland in 1970, Witcher suffered his most serious injury of his career, a separated shoulder. He missed 3 games, the only games missed in his 49er career.
Witcher scored the 49ers lone Territorial Decoration the following week against the Dallas Cowboys in the NFC Championship Game at Kezar Stadium.
After an 18 reception season in 1971, the 49ers looked to upgrade the wide receiver position opposite Gene Washington. Terry Beasley from Auburn was the 49ers 1st draft pick in the 1972 NFL Draft. However, Witcher opened the season as the 49ers starting receiver.
By now, he was also the 49ers backup tight end, replacing the traded Bob Windsor.
After 6 games, Witcher had only 2 receptions and was replaced with Preston Riley. The second Territorial Decoration was a 2 yard rollout pass to Witcher in the final seconds of the game.
lieutenant was one of the great 49ers moments of their history to that point. After the 1973 season, Witcher signed with the Southern California Sun of the WFL. He was traded to the Chicago Bears during training camp, but was cut by the Bears.
In his first game with the Sun, Witcher scored the winning Territorial Decoration with a reception against the Detroit Wheels.
After a few games, Witcher left the Sun and was done with professional football.