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United States Charlie Waters is an accomplished NFL safety who transitioned his on-field leadership into successful careers in coaching and business.
Charlie Waters and Cliff Harris collaborated at Energy Transfer Group, a Dallas-based electricity and natural gas delivery business, also involved in the building of compressors. They found success together in business, similar to their partnership on the football field.
Charles Tutan Waters was born on September 10, 1948, in Miami, Florida. He attended North Augusta High School in South Carolina, where he excelled in both football and baseball. Initially a split end, he transitioned to quarterback during his high school career, showcasing his athletic versatility. Waters continued his football journey at Clemson University, where he initially competed for the starting quarterback position. After moving to split end, he distinguished himself as a wide receiver and earned All-ACC honors in 1969. During his college career, he recorded 68 receptions for 1,196 yards and four touchdowns, demonstrating strong receiving skills.
Waters was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the third round (66th overall) of the 1970 NFL Draft as a defensive back. Despite initial challenges in training camp, he successfully converted to safety, filling in for Cliff Harris and recording five interceptions in his rookie year, earning a spot on the NFL All-Rookie team. After four seasons playing cornerback, Waters transitioned to strong safety in 1975, where he truly excelled. Alongside Cliff Harris, he formed what was considered one of the era’s premier safety tandems. His performance earned him two All-Pro selections (1977, 1978) and three consecutive Pro Bowl appearances (1976-1978).
Throughout his 12-year NFL career, all with the Dallas Cowboys, Waters played in 160 games and recorded 41 career interceptions. He was a key member of the Cowboys’ “Doomsday Defense,” contributing to five Super Bowl appearances and winning two championships (Super Bowl VI and Super Bowl XII). He holds the NFL record for most playoff interceptions with nine. After retiring from playing in 1981, Waters pursued coaching, serving as defensive coordinator for the Denver Broncos in 1993 and 1994, and then for the University of Oregon in 1995. He later joined the Dallas Cowboys Radio Network as a color commentator in 2006. Outside of football, Waters has been involved in charitable activities, including the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and has embarked on a business career alongside former teammate Cliff Harris.
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