Bill Bynum, a 1971 graduate of Western New Mexico University, hailing from Torrance, California, stands as one of the most accomplished and versatile athletes in Mustang history. His career started early during his high school years at Torrance High School, where he was their quarterback for two years before graduating in 1967, and moving on to join the Mustangs. As a four-year starting quarterback for the Mustangs, Bynum played a central role in elevating WNMU football during one of its most successful eras.

During the 1970 season, Bynum helped lead the Mustangs to the Rocky Mountain Division Championship, a campaign that cemented his legacy on campus. His leadership and performance earned him multiple honors, including team captain and Most Valuable Player. That same year, he made history as the first Mustang ever drafted into the National Football League, selected by the Washington Redskins in the 14th round of the 1971 NFL Draft.

Bynum's athletic excellence was not limited to football. In 1970, he was also named Most Valuable Player of the Mustang baseball team, where he posted an impressive .400 batting average and hit 10 home runs, highlighting his rare dual-sport talent.

Following his NFL draft selection, Bynum served as a backup quarterback for the Washington Redskins from 1971 through 1973. In 1974, he earned a professional tryout with the St. Louis Cardinals. Although he did not make the final roster, his football journey continued when he joined the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League for the 1975 season.
During the 1975 CFL season, Bynum appeared in 13 games, completing 87 of 161 passing attempts for 923 yards and two touchdowns. He also contributed on the ground, rushing 24 times for 143 yards. Notably, he finished the season without recording a single fumble, reflecting his disciplined and reliable play.

Decades later, in 1991, Bynum returned to Torrance High to be the football coach for the team, where he adopted a wide-open offense style for the school, with a run-and-gun spread offense style intended to beat any defense maneuvers. His strategy helped his school earn a share of the Pioneer League and Southern Section Playoff victory. He carried out his duties as the coach while also being employed by Hughes Aircraft.

Bynum has credited much of his success to the influence of Western New Mexico University and the mentors who shaped his development, including Athletic Director Ray Brancheau and Coaches Joe Palmer, Al Johnson, and Bill Shanahan. Equally important were the lifelong friendships he formed at Western.
Bill Bynum's story is one of leadership, versatility, and lasting impact. From championship seasons at WNMU to professional football in both the NFL and CFL, his legacy remains a proud chapter in Western New Mexico University's athletic history.