Billy Wilson dominated the 1950s as the San Francisco 49ers' premier receiving threat, leading the NFL in receptions three times while becoming the franchise's first outstanding wide receiver despite playing in an era dominated by the "Million Dollar Backfield" running game. Born February 3, 1927 in Sayre, Oklahoma, Wilson's family fled to California when he was three to escape the Dust Bowl ravaging the prairies during the Great Depression. He attended Campbell High School where he excelled as a four-letter athlete before enlisting in the United States Navy during World War II. After military service, he starred at San Jose State University, earning attention from NFL scouts.