Larry Eugene Centers (born June 1, 1968) is an American former professional football player who was a fullback in the National Football League (NFL) for 14 seasons, mostly for his first team, the Phoenix/Arizona Cardinals (1990–1998). Centers then played for the Washington Redskins (1999–2000), Buffalo Bills (2001–2002), and finally was a member of the New England Patriots for their second Super Bowl win, in 2003. One of the most prolific pass catching running backs in NFL history, Centers topped 100 receptions in 1995 and had 99 receptions in 1996. He owns the NFL record for most passes caught by a running back during a career. He was selected to the Pro Bowl in 1995, 1996, and 2001. Early life Centers was born in Tyler, Texas and grew up in Longview. He began playing little league football for the Bramlette Bears as a running back and quarterback during his elementary school years and went on to play in middle school for the Forest Park Eagles and high school for the Longview Lobos until his junior year. He played on both sides of the ball as a defensive back and runnningback and wide receiver. Centers did not play football at all his junior year of high school. After his family moved to nearby Tatum, where his mother was an administrator in education, Centers decided to play football again after being urged to do so by his elder brother. After a solid season in Tatum, he earned a scholarship to nearby Stephen F. Austin State University. He was also recruited by Baylor, Texas Tech, and several junior colleges. His brother, Donnie, played for the University of Arkansas and coach Lou Holtz as a wide receiver. College career After being recruited as a running back, wide receiver, and a defensive back, Centers began his college football career with the Division I-AA Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks as a wide receiver. As a freshman, he broke his pinky finger on his left hand and was then assigned to play scout team running back and special teams. In his sophomore season against Nevada, an injury to the team's starting running back allowed Centers a chance to play. In the win, Centers rushed nine times for 96 yards and finished the season with 100-plus rushing yards in each of the remaining six games. He also led the Lumberjacks in receptions, rushing yards and yards from scrimmage during his