Thomas McDowell Bayless (born December 17, 1947) is a former American football offensive and defensive lineman who played one season for the New York Jets of the National Football League (NFL).
Bayless was born on December 17, 1947, in the unincorporated community of Knob Lick, Missouri.
[1] After high school he attended University of Purdue and played one season for their football team, the Boilermakers.
[2] He was switched to interior offensive lineman in his senior year due to struggling with the ball at center.
[2] Bayless was then selected in 15th round (384th pick) of the 1970 NFL draft by the New York Jets.