Jack Bighead facts for kids
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| Personal information | |||
| Born: | April 23, 1930 Sapulpa, Oklahoma |
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| Died: | April 28, 1993 (aged 63) Parker, Arizona |
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| Career information | |||
| College: | Pepperdine | ||
| NFL Draft: | 1952 / Round: 15 / Pick: 170 (By the Dallas Texans) |
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| Career history | |||
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| Career highlights and awards | |||
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| Career NFL statistics | |||
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John Bighead (born April 23, 1930 – died April 28, 1993) was a talented American football player. He was a member of the Yuchi Native American tribe. John Bighead became a football star in high school during the 1940s. He later played in the National Football League (NFL). He also graduated from Pepperdine University in 1948. While at Pepperdine, he earned special honors for his skills in both football and track.
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Early Life and College
John Bighead was born in Sapulpa, Oklahoma. He grew up with a passion for sports. In high school, he played football at L.A. Poly High. His amazing talent on the field made him a local star.
After high school, John went to Pepperdine University. He continued to excel in sports there. He was recognized as a "Little All-American" in 1948. This honor showed he was one of the best college athletes. He was great at both football and track and field.
Professional Football Career
After college, John Bighead served in the United States Navy. When he finished his service, he began his professional football career.
NFL Journey
In 1952, John was chosen in the 15th round of the 1952 NFL draft. The Dallas Texans picked him as the 170th player overall. He then played for two different NFL teams.
- In 1954, he played for the Baltimore Colts.
- In 1955, he joined the Los Angeles Rams. He even became a starter for the Rams.
Sadly, a leg injury ended his NFL career.
Canadian Football League
After his time in the NFL, John Bighead played one season in the Canadian Football League (CFL). In 1956, he played for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.
Life After Football
After his football career, John Bighead became a teacher and coach. He loved helping young people.
Teaching and Coaching
In 1957, John started teaching in the Anaheim Union High School District. He taught and coached at Western and Magnolia high schools. He was known for always carrying a clipboard. This was like his character "Little Boy" in the 1951 movie Jim Thorpe – All-American.
In 1966, he joined the staff at Katella High School when it first opened. He taught health and coached track there. He retired from teaching in 1987.
Legacy and Family
After John Bighead retired, Katella High School honored him. They named an annual track and field event after him. This event celebrates his contributions to the school.
John Bighead was married to Joan Bighead. They had two daughters, Jacqueline and Diane. They also had three grandchildren: Casey, Jackson, and Tanner. Later, they had three great-grandchildren: Rory, Vanessa, and Kota.
