J. C. Caroline facts for kids
| Born: | January 17, 1933 Warrenton, Georgia |
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| Died: | November 17, 2017 (aged 84) Urbana, Illinois |
| Career information | |
| Position(s) | Defensive Back, halfback |
| College | Illinois |
| High school | Booker T. Washington High, Columbia, S.C. circa 1949 - 1952 |
| NFL draft | 1956 / Round: 7 / Pick 82 |
| Career history | |
| As player | |
| 1955 | Toronto Argonauts |
| 1955 | Montreal Alouettes |
| 1956–1965 | Chicago Bears |
| Career highlights and awards | |
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James C. Caroline (born January 17, 1933 – died November 17, 2017) was an American football player. He was a talented athlete who played both college and professional football.
Caroline played college football at the University of Illinois. He was so good that he was named an All-American in 1953. After college, he played for teams in both the Canadian Football League (CFL) and the National Football League (NFL). He is also a member of the College Football Hall of Fame.
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Playing Professional Football
James Caroline started his football journey in college. He played for the University of Illinois in 1953 and 1954. In 1953, as a sophomore, he was amazing! He led the entire country in rushing yards with 1256 yards. This earned him the title of All-American.
The next year, he couldn't play college football due to school rules. So, instead of returning to college, Caroline decided to play Canadian football.
Time in the CFL
Caroline first signed with the Toronto Argonauts in Canada. He played with them for a few months. Later, he moved to play for the Montreal Alouettes. He rushed for 575 yards during that season. He even played in the 1955 Grey Cup game, which is like the Super Bowl of Canadian football!
After his time in Canada, Caroline earned a degree from Florida A&M University. Then, the Chicago Bears picked him in the 1956 NFL Draft. He was the 82nd player chosen overall.
Playing for the Chicago Bears
Starting in 1956, James Caroline had a long and successful career with the Chicago Bears. He played for ten seasons, mostly as a defensive back. This means he was a player who tried to stop the other team from scoring.
During his career, Caroline made 24 interceptions. An interception is when a defensive player catches a pass meant for an offensive player. He also scored six touchdowns! These touchdowns came from rushing, receiving, recovering a fumble, and even two from interceptions.
One famous moment was when he intercepted Johnny Unitas's very first NFL pass attempt. Caroline caught the ball and ran it all the way back for a touchdown! He was a key player for the Bears. He helped them win the Western Conference in 1956 and was part of the team that won the 1963 NFL Championship.
Life After Football
After his amazing football career, James Caroline moved to Urbana, Illinois. He continued to be involved in sports and education.
He coached the football team at Urbana High School in 1982. He also taught physical education at Urbana Middle School. He helped young students learn about sports and staying active.
Honors and Family
James Caroline was honored for his incredible college football career. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1980. This is a very special award for college football players.
He was even shown in a movie! An actor named Bernie Casey played him in the 1971 movie Brian's Song.
Caroline's grandson, Jordan Caroline, also became a talented athlete. He is a basketball player for Nevada. James Caroline passed away in 2017.
See also
- List of college football yearly rushing leaders
