Career
Parker played college football at
Parker was originally drafted by the in the 1971 NFL Draft, made the Taxi Squad and participated in all practices for the entire season. Traded to Buffalo in 1973 as a snapper, center and backup guard. In 1977, going into his fifth year with the, Parker became their starting center, replacing Mike Montler.
In 1977 OJ Simpson Buffalo"s outstanding running back "77 season in Buffalo was cut short by injury.
Before the 1978 season, the Bills traded OJ Simpson to the for a series of draft picks. Willie played two seasons with the team"s fortune improving to 5-11 in 1978 and 7-9 in 1979, the first two years with Chuck Knox as the head coach, the same linemen trio up the middle in all 16 games during both years.
However, in the following year, Parker was traded to the to help in rebuilding Detroit"s offensive line. In 1980, his final year in the NFL, Parker went to the, starting only once in 4 games, as a career-ending injury occurred in his final game against the Chicago Bears.
Willie came back to the in 1981 Training Camp and due to work related issue, decided to retire.
In all Willie spent 11 years in the NFL.
