Born in Miami, FL, Charlie Waters moved with his family to South Carolina where he attended North Augusta High School as a football and baseball star.  He would play in the 1965 Shrine Bowl and upon graduation in 1966 signed a football scholarship to play at Clemson University.  He started out as a quarterback and then finished his collegiate career as a wide receiver.  In 1969, he caught 44 passes for 738 yards as a senior, a Clemson record at that time, and earn an All-ACC selection.  Waters was inducted into the Clemson Athletic Hall of Fame in 1981.

In the 1970 NFL Draft, the Dallas Cowboys picked him in the third round, 66th overall as a defensive back, although he never played that position in college.  In his first five seasons, he spent time at corner and free safety, but his career really took off in 1975 when he became the mainstay at strong safety.  The Cowboys safety would go onto play through the 1981 season, playing in five Super Bowls and winning two (VI, XII), being named to three Pro Bowls (1976-1978), and named Second-Team All-Pro twice (1977, 1978).  He intercepted 41 passes (third all-time in Cowboys history) in his career and recovered 7 fumbles. His nine playoff interceptions are an NFL record.  After retiring from playing he became an NFL and college coach, as well as a commentator for a short time.  He also managed a gas marketing company with his longtime teammate Cliff Harris.

He and his wife, Rosie, currently live in Texas.  They are the parents of three sons Cody (deceased), Ben and Cliff.  Waters is also a member of the North Augusta Sports Hall of Fame, South Carolina Athletic Hall of Fame (1980), and Texas Sports Hall of Fame (2021).

Photo Credit: Dallas Cowboys