Big Bear (American football) facts for kids

Samuel Big Bear (born December 25, 1889 – died December 21, 1959) was a Native American professional football player. He played during the early days of the National Football League (NFL). He was often known simply as Big Bear.

Who Was Samuel Big Bear?

Samuel Big Bear was born on Christmas Day in 1889. His birthplace was Winnebago, Nebraska. He was a member of the Ho-Chunk Nation. Big Bear grew up to be a tall and strong athlete. He stood 6 feet 4 inches tall and weighed 215 pounds.

Playing for the Oorang Indians

Big Bear played professional football for two years. He was part of a special team called the Oorang Indians. This team was unique because all of its players were Native American. The team was based in LaRue, Ohio. It was owned by a man named Walter Lingo. He used the team to promote his Oorang Airedale dog kennels.

Big Bear played in six games during his career. He played one game in the 1922 NFL season. He then played five games in the 1923 NFL season. He was a tackle, a position where players block and stop opponents. The Oorang Indians team was not around for very long. It disbanded, or stopped playing, after the 1923 season. Big Bear ended his professional football career when the team closed.

His Time at Carlisle Indian School

There are different ideas about Big Bear's college education. Official NFL records say he did not go to college. However, the Pro Football Researchers Association has different information. They state that he attended the Carlisle Indian School. This school was in Carlisle, Pennsylvania.

The Carlisle Indian School was a famous boarding school. It was open from 1879 to 1918. Many Native American students attended this school. It was known for its strong football program. Famous Native American athletes like Jim Thorpe also played there. If Big Bear attended, it would have been an important part of his athletic journey.