Vaughn Michael Raines (born February 14, 1953) is a former professional and college football player.
Raines was an Associated Press second-team All American his senior year at Alabama and was also chosen for the All-SEC defensive team.[1] Raines was also the 1973 defensive player of the year at Alabama and played alongside Too Tall Jones in the 1973 Senior Bowl. Following the Senior Bowl Raines was drafted in the 1st. Round of the 1984 WFL draft by the California Suns and in the 6th Round of the NFL draft by the San Francisco 49ers.[2] Raines chose to play in the NFL for the San Francisco 49ers instead of in the WFL. Following the 74 season he left the NFL for the CFL and played for the Montreal Alouettes.[3] Raines played in the Canadian football league for nine seasons for three teams, Montreal (1975), Ottawa (1975–1982), Winnipeg (1982). He was named CFL Eastern Conference All-Star in 1978 and 1981.[4] Raines was also named 1st Team All-Pro Defensive End in 1981 as well.[3]
Following the 1982 CFL Season Raines chose to leave the CFL and join the Birmingham Stallions in the USFL. Following the 1983 Season in the USFL Raines received several honors. Raines was the only unanimous All-Pro Defensive Player voted to the 1983 First-team All-Pro USFL defensive team. Following the 1983 season Raines was traded to The Jacksonville Bulls.[5] During the 1984 Season Raines was severely injured during practice, diagnosis was severe head trauma, stretched Brachial Plexus.[citation needed] Even though injured the Jacksonville Bulls attempted to trade Raines to The Houston Gamblers of the USFL. Upon arriving in Houston Raines was given a physical and was told he had nerve damage, possibly a slipped disk and may need surgery.[citation needed] He was promptly returned to Jacksonville where he finished out the season on injured reserve and retired the following year.[6]
