Back to the Utah Utes Newsfeed

Former Utah leading rusher Monk Bailey dies at 77

A two-time leading rusher for the Utes and later a defensive back for the St. Louis Cardinals, Claron Everett "Monk" Bailey died at his Queen Creek, Ariz., home last Thursday. He was 77.

Bailey graduated from Grand High in Moab and became a 1959 All-Skyline Conference fullback in 1959, leading the Utes in rushing in 1958 (564 yards, six touchdowns) and 1959 (640 yards, five touchdowns).

He played defensive back with the St. Louis Cardinals in 1963-65 and spent one season with the CFL's Toronoto Argonauts before moving to Long Island and playing semi-pro with the Long Island Bulls, Bridgeport Jets and the Jersey Jays.