Archie
Amerson

Archie Amerson was born on August 24, 1974, in San Diego, California, and began his football career at Samuel F. B. Morse High School before excelling at Dixie State College, where he earned two NJCAA All-American honors. He later transferred to Northern Arizona University (NAU), where his impact on Arizona football was immediate and historic. Over two seasons with the Lumberjacks (1995–1996), Amerson established himself as one of the most dynamic offensive players in program and Big Sky Conference history. Amerson’s 1996 season remains one of the greatest ever by an NAU athlete. He rushed for 2,079 yards and scored 25 touchdowns, both single-season school records, and was honored with the Walter Payton Award, given annually to the top offensive player in Division I-AA (now FCS). That same year, he set a single-game FCS record with seven rushing touchdowns against Weber State and led NAU to one of its most successful seasons. Across his two years in Flagstaff, Amerson totaled more than 3,100 rushing yards, setting numerous school and conference marks that still stand today. Following his standout college career, Amerson went on to play professionally in the Canadian Football League (CFL) from 1997 to 2004. As a member of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and Toronto Argonauts, he showcased his versatility as both a running back and slotback, accumulating over 6,000 receiving yards, 1,600 rushing yards, and scoring 37 touchdowns through the air. His professional career was highlighted by a Grey Cup championship in 1999, cementing his reputation as a consistent, high-impact player at every level of competition. Archie Amerson’s legacy in Arizona is rooted in his record-breaking seasons at Northern Arizona University and his role in elevating the Lumberjacks’ football program to national prominence. His number was retired by NAU, and he was inducted into both the NAU Athletics Hall of Fame and the Big Sky Conference Hall of Fame, solidifying his place among Arizona’s all-time great college football players.