Curt Gentry (American football) facts for kids
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| Position: | Defensive back | ||||||
| Personal information | |||||||
| Born: | August 8, 1937 Waco, Kentucky |
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| Died: | October 29, 2022 (aged 85) Durham, North Carolina |
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| Height: | 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) | ||||||
| Weight: | 185 lb (84 kg) | ||||||
| Career information | |||||||
| High school: | Portsmouth (OH) | ||||||
| College: | Maryland Eastern Shore | ||||||
| NFL Draft: | 1966 / Round: 17 / Pick: 257 | ||||||
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Curtis William Gentry (born August 8, 1937 – died October 29, 2022) was an important figure in American football. He was known for his skills as a player and later as a coach. Gentry played professionally in the National Football League (NFL) for the Chicago Bears. After his playing career, he became a head football coach at two different universities.
Curt Gentry's Early Life and College
Curt Gentry was born in Waco, Kentucky. He grew up with a passion for football. He attended Portsmouth High School in Ohio. After high school, he continued his football journey in college. Gentry played for Maryland Eastern Shore. This is where he honed his skills as a defensive back.
Playing in the NFL
In 1966, Curt Gentry was drafted into the National Football League. He was picked by the Chicago Bears. Gentry played as a defensive back. A defensive back is a player on the defense who tries to stop the other team's passes. They also help tackle players who run with the ball.
Gentry played for the Chicago Bears for three seasons, from 1966 to 1968. During his time in the NFL, he played in 38 games. He also made 6 interceptions. An interception happens when a defensive player catches a pass thrown by the opposing team's quarterback. This is a big play that can change the game!
Coaching Career
After his time as a professional player, Curt Gentry decided to become a football coach. He shared his knowledge and love for the game with younger players. His coaching career included several important roles:
- In 1972, he was an assistant coach at Holy Cross.
- From 1973 to 1975, he coached defensive backs at Northwestern.
- In 1976, Gentry became the head coach for the Alabama A&M Bulldogs.
- From 1977 to 1979, he was an assistant coach at North Carolina A&T.
- In 1980, he took on another head coaching role at Lincoln University.
Curt Gentry passed away in Durham, North Carolina, on October 29, 2022. He was 85 years old. His contributions as both a player and a coach left a lasting mark on American football.
