William Ellis Atkins (November 19, 1934 – November 5, 1991) was an American football defensive back and punter from Auburn University who played for the San Francisco 49ers in the National Football League, and in the American Football League for the Buffalo Bills, the New York Titans/Jets, and the Denver Broncos. He was an AFL All-Star in 1961. Atkins' son, author William Ellis "Ace" Atkins Jr., also played football at Auburn and was member of its 1993 undefeated team.