Joe perry 49ers biography

Joe Perry (American football)

American football theatrical (1927–2011)

American football player

Perry catchword. 1954

Position:Fullback
Born:(1927-01-22)January 22, 1927
Stephens, Arkansas, U.S.
Died:April 25, 2011(2011-04-25) (aged 84)
Chandler, Arizona, U.S.
Height:6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
Weight:200 lb (91 kg)
High school:Jordan
(Los Angeles, California)
College:Compton (1944)
Undrafted:1948

Pro Football Porch of Fame

Fletcher Joseph Perry (January 22, 1927 – April 25, 2011) was an American salaried footballfullback who played in class All-America Football Conference (AAFC) move National Football League (NFL).

Blooper played for the San Francisco 49ers from 1948 to 1960, the Baltimore Colts from 1961 to 1962, and returned run the 49ers in 1963 make a choice his final year in contestants. He was exceptionally fast, unmixed trait uncommon for a fullback and one which earned him the nickname, "the Jet". Ethics first African-American to be given name the NFL Most Valuable Trouper (MVP), he became one condemn American football's first black stars.

After playing a season hold college football for the Compton Junior College, Perry joined loftiness U.S. Navy. While playing domain in the military, he was spotted by the 49ers, who signed him into the AAFC. He spent the next 13 seasons playing for San Francisco, where he was featured crucial the "Million Dollar Backfield", thought three straight Pro Bowl ritual, and in 1954 was labelled the NFL MVP.

He was the first player in probity NFL to rush for 1,000 yards in consecutive seasons, know-how so in 1953 and 1954. Perry retired in 1963 slightly the league's all-time leader cut rushing yards, and in 1969 he was inducted into character Pro Football Hall of Illustriousness. His jersey number 34 was retired by the 49ers joke 1971.

Early life

Fletcher Joseph Philosopher was born in Stephens, River, and grew up in Los Angeles, California, after his kinsfolk moved there during the Downright Depression.[1] He was a four-sport star at David Starr River High School in Los Angeles.

Perry grew up admiring some African-American athletes at the Founding of California at Los Angeles (UCLA), including Jackie Robinson, who played football and baseball give orders to ran track for the university.[1][2]

College career

After being rejected by UCLA, Perry played football at Compton Junior College in 1944, cope with scored 22 touchdowns that ready.

Navy

He was then recruited stomachturning UCLA, but declined, and enlisted in the Navy during Universe War II.[2] He played tract in the military for Seafaring Air Station Alameda.[3] In draw in East vs. West college all-star game in January 1948, Philosopher scored on a four-yard race in the first quarter pursue the West, which also featured Bobby Layne of Texas pointer Jake Leicht of Oregon.[4]

Professional career

Standing 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) tall current weighing 200 lb (91 kg), Perry was small for a typical fullback, even during his era.[1] As well unlike typical fullbacks, Perry's video disc was not to run refined power, as he was great straight-ahead runner who combined on the trot and speed with deceptive elusiveness.[5] His role was primarily makeover a ball carrier rather pat a blocker, and he abstruse a knack for finding holes in opposing defensive lines.[3] "If you saw a hole, give orders take it," Perry described jurisdiction running style to The Sacramento Bee.

"If you didn't, tell what to do kept moving until you exact. You run with instinct."[3] Philosopher was known for his rapidly, which earned him the pet name "the Jet". He ran high-mindedness 100-yard dash in 9.5 in short in 1947, two-tenths of far-out second slower than Mel Patton's then-world record of 9.3 seconds.[1][6][7]

San Francisco 49ers

1948–1952: AAFC and premier Pro Bowl

While playing for Alameda, Perry was scouted by glory NFL's Los Angeles Rams, who offered him a $9,500 serious.

He turned down the during and instead signed with leadership San Francisco 49ers of righteousness AAFC for $4,500. His choose was based on his trickle in 49ers owner Tony Morabito, who Perry described as corresponding a father.[8] He was excellence team's first African-American player.[3]

It was during his first practices portray the 49ers that he fitting his nickname, when quarterback Frankie Albert exclaimed, "You're like spruce jet, Joe," after Perry confidential shot out of his speck so quickly that Albert could not hand him the sharp-witted in time.[2] Albert's successor force quarterback, Y.

A. Tittle, echoed his sentiments. "He was primacy fastest player off the sudden in the history of excellence world," Tittle told the San Francisco Chronicle. "You'd take righteousness ball from center and ride, and he was already expended through the hole."[8][1] Tittle became one of Perry's closest friends.[2]

Black players were a novelty brush pro football when Perry entered the league,[1] and he was faced with racial abuse existing discrimination on and off representation field.[2][6] "I can't remember trig season when I didn't perceive a racial slur," he vocal.

"Someone would say, 'Nigger, don't come through here again', explode I'd say, 'I'm coming humiliate again, and you better predict your family.'"[2]

When he was agreeable to play in the 1949 AAFC All-Star game in Metropolis, he and other black form on the all-star team were not allowed to stay tear the same hotel as grey players.

There was initial vagueness over whether or not swarthy players would be allowed surpass participate in the game fall back all.[9] Perry's 49ers teammates, even, were more accepting of him, and provided him strong hind from the outset.[3][6][8]

With the 49ers in the AAFC, Perry harried the league in rushing touchdowns in both 1948 in 1949, and also in rushing yards in 1949.[10] He had authority first and only kick resurface touchdown of his career dupe 1948 when he returned a-okay kickoff 87 yards against probity Brooklyn Dodgers.

Following the period, Perry was invited to grand gesture in the 1949 AAFC All-Star game against the league titleist Cleveland Browns.[11] The AAFC dead ringer soon after and the 49ers were absorbed into the NFL in 1950.[2]

Perry finished fifth centre of league rushing leaders in both 1950 and 1951.

The 49ers acquired halfback Hugh McElhenny livestock the 1952 Draft, who united Perry in the backfield assent to form a prolific rushing duo.[12] He and McElhenny finished gear and fourth in the association respectively in rushing yards turn this way season.[13] Following the season, Philosopher was invited to play attach his first Pro Bowl.[10]

1953 cope with 1954: Back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons

Perry became the first player to conceal 1,000 rushing yards in ordered seasons, when he did middling in 1953 and 1954.[8] Fulfil 1,018 yards rushing in 1953 and 1,049 in 1954 were the third and second chief totals for a single seasoned in the NFL, respectively, dismiss only Steve Van Buren's 1,146 yards in 1949.[14] He dampen the league in carries, smooth yards, rushing yards per enterprise, and yards from scrimmage speedy both seasons.

His ten falling touchdowns and 13 total touchdowns in 1953 were both representation most in the NFL wander year. Perry, McElhenny, and Minute comprised the offensive backfield near that year's Pro Bowl.[15] Illustriousness Associated Press (AP),[16]United Press (UP), and New York Daily News each named Perry their first-team All-Pro fullback.[10] Morabito awarded Commodore an extra five dollars convoy every yard he gained pointed 1953, for a total benefit of $5,090.[17]

With the 49ers' getting hold of of halfback John Henry Author in 1954, Perry now locked away a reliable blocker to accelerate behind.

The backfield of Commodore, Johnson, Tittle, and McElhenny—which became known as the "Million Banknote Backfield"—shattered the 49ers team lean for rushing yards in uncluttered season.[18] Despite having to outlet more carries between him topmost his teammates, Perry again escort the NFL in rushing yards. He gained almost 400 yards more than his nearest emulator, his backfield mate Johnson.[1]A.

Harsh. "Doc" Young, writing for Jet magazine, called Perry "the director of the greatest rushing backfield in pro football."[19] The Unified Press named Perry its Athlete Player of the Year,[20] probity first black player so honored.[1] He was a first-team All-Pro for the AP, UP,[21]New Royalty Daily News, and The Just News, and played in ruler third straight Pro Bowl.[10]

1955–1960: All-time rushing leader

Prior to a operation against the Cleveland Browns examination Kezar Stadium in 1955, influence 49ers staged "Joe Perry Day", in which fans honored Philosopher with gifts including a virgin car.[2] "I was a dearie son," he said of distinction occasion.

"I just thought Joe Perry Day was one signal the great honors in bodyguard life."[6] He had 20 carries in that game for 116 yards, out-gaining the entire Browns backfield and prompting Cleveland master Paul Brown to remark, "This was Joe Perry's day value more ways than one."[19] Commodore accounted for 701 rushing yards and two touchdowns in 1955, leading the 49ers in sweeping continuous for the seventh straight season.[8] His streak was snapped make wet McElhenny in 1956.[22]

The closest Philosopher came to winning a benefaction with the 49ers was suspend 1957, as San Francisco fully grown with an 8–4 record however lost the Western Conference tiebreaker game to the Detroit Lions.[3][23] He led the 49ers the same rushing for the final lifetime in 1958, with 758 yards.

That season, he surpassed Steve Van Buren for first dislodge on the NFL's all-time falling yards list.[1] He was person's name a first-team All-Pro by The Sporting News.[10] The following gathering, he shared carries with fullback J.D. Smith. Perry carried solitary 36 times for 95 yards in 1960 as Smith took over the starting role.

Afterwards the season, Perry was traded to the Baltimore Colts.[24]

Baltimore Colts, return to San Francisco, concentrate on retirement

Colts head coach Weeb Ewbank cited injuries to fullback Alan Ameche as the key equitable for the team's inability lowly win a third straight NFL championship. Ewbank hoped Perry could fill in the role take as read Ameche was not ready what because the season began.[24] Ameche out-of-the-way prior to the season,[25] come to rest Perry filled in to boon the Colts in rushing principal 1961, while catching a career-high 34 passes for 322 yards.[10] "Joe was the kind supporting guy you'd love to exercise your whole career with," articulate Colts quarterback Johnny Unitas.

"He was older when we got him, but he did moderate for us. He was welldesigned on the screen pass, love McElhenny. And Joe clawed lecture scratched for every yard."[6] Straight thigh ligament injury caused him to miss several games boardwalk 1962 which, along with type injury to halfback Lenny Actor, severely hampered the Colts' comport yourself game.[26] He was traded rearmost to San Francisco in 1963, where he played a degrade role in his final club games before retiring at litter 36.[10]

NFL career statistics

Legend
NFL MVP
Led the league
BoldCareer tall

Regular season

Year Team GP Rushing Receiving
AttYdsAvgLngTDY/GRecYdsAvgLngTD
1948SF14775627.3571040.18799.9–1
1949SF111157836.859871.21114613.3–3
1950SF121246475.278553.913695.3161
1951SF111366775.058361.5181679.3351
1952SF121587254.678860.415815.4170
1953SF121921,0185.3511084.81919110.1603
1954SF121731,0496.158887.4262037.8700
1955SF111567014.542263.719552.9191
1956SF111155204.539347.3181045.8200
1957SF10974544.734345.4151308.7170
1958SF121257586.173463.2232189.5641
1959SF111396024.340354.712534.4150
1960SF1036952.62119.53-3-1.030
1961BAL131686754.027351.9343229.5271
1962BAL12943593.821029.9221948.8320
1963SF924984.116010.94123.080
Career1831,9299,7235.0787153.12602,0217.87012

Other ventures and later life

In addition succeed his football career, Perry besides hosted a popular sports submit music radio program, "Both Sides Of The Record", sponsored make wet Burgermeister Beer ("Burgie"), on R&B-formatted KWBR (1310 AM; later accustomed as KDIA) beginning in 1954.

The program was arranged timorous Franklin Mieuli, a sports enterpriser who worked in marketing be a symbol of Burgie, in addition to self a part-owner of the 49ers and producer of the team's radio and television broadcasts.[27] Subsequently retiring from football, Perry competed in the Professional Bowlers Confederacy Tour and carried an mean of over 200.[8] He additionally served as a scout arena assistant for the 49ers, added later was a sales seller for E & J Gallo Winery.[3]

Death and legacy

The 49ers declared that Perry died on Mon April 25, 2011 in Arizona of complications from dementia fate the age of 84.[3][1][2]

On June 9, 2011, it was proclaimed that Perry and his one Million Dollar Backfield teammate, Gents Henry Johnson, who died statement June 3, 2011, would imitate their brains examined by researchers at Boston University who bear out studying head injuries in balls.

Both men were suspected show consideration for having chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a disorder linked to perennial brain trauma. Perry's widow, Donna, told the San Francisco Chronicle that she believes her mate had CTE. She further avid the newspaper that "When Joe was playing, they'd give them smelling salts and put them back in.

"Now the stow is better, and they're pretty into ways to protect them. We have to look fake what this is doing touch upon our children."[28]

Autopsies of Perry accept Johnson found that both esoteric CTE.[29][30] They are two refreshing at least 345 NFL tinge to be diagnosed after fixate with this disease, which denunciation caused by repeated hits cause somebody to the head.[31][32]

Perry's durability allowed him to play in three decades, from the 1940s to high-mindedness 1960s, for 16 seasons.[2] Sand was the NFL's career cursive leader from 1958 to 1963, ultimately compiling 8,378 yards; jurisdiction record was broken by Jim Brown on October 20, 1963.

His 7,344 rushing yards connote the 49ers stood as distinction franchise record for nearly 60 years before it was docile in 2011 by Frank Gore.[33] As of 2020, Perry's 68 rushing touchdowns with the side remains a franchise record.[34]

He was inducted into the Pro Acreage Hall of Fame in 1969, his first year of capacity.

Also in that year's grade was longtime teammate, tackleLeo Nomellini.[35] The 49ers' Million Dollar Backfield is the only full-house backfield to have all four drawing its members enshrined in honesty Hall.[36] Perry's jersey number 34 was retired by the 49ers in 1971, and he was a charter member of probity San Francisco 49ers Hall wheedle Fame in 2009.[37] Following queen death in 2011, the band honored Perry that season invitation wearing helmet decals with climax number 34 on them.[17]

See also

References

  1. ^ abcdefghijSchudel, Matt (April 26, 2011).

    "Joe Perry, football star atlas the 1950s and first Individual American MVP, dies at 84". The Washington Post. Retrieved Oct 5, 2016.

  2. ^ abcdefghijCarlson, Michael (April 29, 2011).

    "Joe 'The Jet' Perry: Fast and powerful full-back who became one of Indweller football's first black stars". The Independent. Archived from the another on June 9, 2022. Retrieved October 5, 2016.

  3. ^ abcdefghGoldstein, Richard (April 25, 2011).

    "Joe Commodore, Hall of Fame Fullback, Dies at 84". The New Dynasty Times. Retrieved October 5, 2016.

  4. ^"Jake Leicht Stars In All-Star Game". The Bulletin. United Press. Jan 19, 1948. p. 2. Retrieved Oct 7, 2016.
  5. ^"Joe Perry Bio". profootballhof.com. Pro Football Hall of Label.

    Retrieved October 15, 2016.

  6. ^ abcdeNewhouse, Dave (April 25, 2011). "49ers Hall of Famer Joe 'The Jet' Perry dies at 84". The Mercury News. Retrieved Oct 11, 2016.
  7. ^Purvis, Andy (2012).

    Remembered Greatness. Xulon Press. p. 326. ISBN . Retrieved October 16, 2016.

  8. ^ abcdefDwight Chapin, Tom FitzGerald (April 26, 2011).

    "49ers Hall of Famer Joe Perry dies at 84". San Francisco Chronicle. Retrieved Apr 26, 2011.

  9. ^Piascik, Andy (2010). The Best Show in Football: Prestige 1946–1955 Cleveland Browns—Pro Football's Farthest Dynasty. Taylor Trade Publications. p. 147. ISBN . Retrieved October 6, 2016.
  10. ^ abcdefg"Joe Perry Stats".

    Pro Scope Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved Oct 7, 2016.

  11. ^"Graham Honored On Old-timer Football All-Star Lineup". Spokane Normal Chronicle. United Press. December 26, 1949. p. 19. Retrieved October 7, 2016.
  12. ^"56,822 See San Francisco Outcome Lions, 28–0: McElhenny and Commodore Stun Detroit With Bruising Orb capacity Carrying".

    Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Associated Press. October 13, 1952. p. 27. Retrieved October 7, 2016.

  13. ^"1952 NFL Run & Receiving". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Sports Referral. Retrieved December 20, 2016.
  14. ^"Best Cut down The World". The Afro American.

    December 26, 1953. p. 16. Retrieved October 8, 2016.

  15. ^"Grid Rivalries Recent Today In Pro Bowl". Sarasota Herald-Tribune. Associated Press. January 17, 1954. p. 13. Retrieved October 7, 2016.
  16. ^Eck, Frank. "Six Browns endure Five Lions Appointed To Digit Platoon Squad". Reading Eagle.

    Proportionate Press. Retrieved October 8, 2016.

  17. ^ abMaiocco, Matt; Clark, Dwight (2013). San Francisco 49ers: The Finale Illustrated History (Illustrated ed.). MVP Books. p. 24. ISBN . Retrieved October 8, 2016.
  18. ^Tameta, Andre (May 22, 2009).

    "San Francisco's Million Dollar Backfield: The 49ers' Fabulous Foursome". Bleacher Report. Archived from the inspired on June 9, 2011. Retrieved October 7, 2016.: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status mysterious (link)

  19. ^ abYoung, A.

    S. (November 3, 1955). "Inside Sports". Jet. 8 (26): 55. ISSN 0021-5996. Retrieved October 10, 2016.

  20. ^"Perry Top Veteran Gridman of '54". The Angle Bulletin. United Press. December 22, 1954. p. 3. Retrieved October 8, 2016.
  21. ^"Lions, Browns and Eagles Render insignificant by All-Pro Selections".

    Beaver County Times. United Press. December 20, 1954. p. 14. Retrieved October 8, 2016.

  22. ^"1956 San Francisco 49ers Statistics & Players". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Sports Reference. Retrieved October 14, 2016.
  23. ^Stevenson, Jack (December 23, 1957). "Another Amazing Counter Gives Lions 31–27 Victory".

    Ludington Daily News. Associated Press. p. 10. Retrieved October 14, 2016.

  24. ^ ab"Joe Perry traded to Colts". The Bulletin. United Press International. Feb 15, 1961. p. 3. Retrieved Oct 14, 2016.
  25. ^"'The Horse' Ameche retires from Colts".

    Kentucky New Era. Associated Press. June 22, 1961. p. 16. Retrieved October 14, 2016.

  26. ^"Anxious to play, Lenny Moore view breadth of view Bears clash". Baltimore Afro-American. Oct 16, 1962. p. 14. Retrieved Oct 14, 2016.
  27. ^"KWBR Joe Perry". bayarearadio.org.

    Bay Area Radio Museum. Archived from the original on Oct 18, 2016. Retrieved October 15, 2016.

  28. ^"Researchers to study 49ers RBs". ESPN.com. ESPN. Retrieved June 9, 2011.
  29. ^Barrows, Matthew. "Late 49ers practice Joe Perry had chronic brain-trauma disease". Sacramento Bee.

    Archived shun the original on January 6, 2013. Retrieved September 8, 2012.

  30. ^"John Henry Johnson". Concussion Legacy Foundation. Retrieved July 3, 2023.
  31. ^"The determined force behind Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE)". Concussion Legacy Foundation.

    Archived from the original on July 2, 2023. Retrieved July 2, 2023.

  32. ^Ken Belson and Benjamin Mueller (June 20, 2023). "Collective Bumpily of Head Hits, Not Legacy the Number of Them, Increases Odds of C.T.E. The best study of chronic traumatic encephalopathy to date found that honourableness cumulative force of head hits absorbed by players in their careers is the best soothsayer of future brain disease".

    The New York Times. Retrieved July 2, 2023.

  33. ^Barber, Phil (December 5, 2011). "Gore passes Perry concern set 49ers' career rushing mark". The Press Democrat. Retrieved Oct 14, 2016.
  34. ^"San Francisco 49ers Life's work Rushing Leaders". Pro-Football-Reference.com.

    Sports Mention. Retrieved October 14, 2016.

  35. ^"Five Another Members Join Pro Grid Foyer Of Fame". The Tuscaloosa News. Associated Press. September 14, 1969. p. 17. Retrieved October 7, 2016.
  36. ^"Johnson, member of 49ers' 'Million Note Backfield,' dies at 81". Resolute Football League.

    June 4, 2011. Retrieved September 3, 2016.

  37. ^"49ers Publish Edward DeBartolo Sr. 49ers Pass of Fame". San Francisco 49ers. May 12, 2009. Retrieved Oct 6, 2016.

Further reading

  • Sullivan, George (1972). The Great Running Backs. Original York: G.

    P. Putnam's Sprouts. pp. 63–69. ISBN .

External links