David Lee Francis (born April 15, 1941) is an American former professional football fullback for the Ohio State Buckeyes from 1960 to 1962.
Playing behind College Hall of Famer Bob Ferguson for two years, and a backfield that included future Pro Football Hall of Famer Paul Warfield and future American Football League legend Matt Snell (AFL), Francis did not break into the starting lineup until his senior year.
Although close losses to UCLA and Northwestern derailed Ohio State's national championship hopes that season, Francis—in a backfield that still included Paul Warfield—led the team in rushing, averaging over 5 yds/carry.
(Beanie Wells) Most noteworthy about that performance, is that Francis, under complete exhaustion, collapsed untouched near the goal line in an open field run before he could tally his third touchdown.
Drafted by the Washington Redskins, Francis played one year in the National Football League (NFL) before his career was ended by injury.