Joe Kendall (American football) facts for kids
Joseph Nathaniel Kendall (October 2, 1909 – November 25, 1965) was a famous American football player. He was known by his nickname "Tarzan" because he was such a strong and athletic player. Kendall was a top player in black college football during the 1930s. He led the Kentucky State team to a national championship in 1934.
He also helped the Thorobreds win the Orange Blossom Classic in 1935 against the Florida A&M team. During his time playing, his team had an amazing record of 29 wins, 7 losses, and 3 ties. Kendall was chosen as a First Team All-American three times, from 1934 to 1936, by the Pittsburgh Courier newspaper. After he stopped playing, he became a coach, teacher, and school principal. A park in Owensboro, Kentucky was named after him because of his important work as a recreational director there. Kendall was honored in the Kentucky State Athletics Hall of Fame in 1975. Later, in 2007, he was chosen for the College Football Hall of Fame, becoming the first player from Kentucky State to receive this honor.
| Kentucky State Thorobreds – No. 25 | |
|---|---|
| Position | Back |
| Class | Graduate student |
| Personal information | |
| Born: | October 2, 1909 Owensboro, Kentucky |
| Died: | November 25, 1965 (aged 63) Owensboro, KY |
| Height | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) |
| Weight | 171 lb (78 kg) |
| Career history | |
| College |
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| Bowl games |
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| High school | Western Colored HS (Owensboro, KY) |
| Career highlights and awards | |
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| College Football Hall of Fame (2007) | |
Contents
Who Was Tarzan Kendall?
Joseph Nathaniel Kendall was born on October 2, 1909. He grew up to be a very talented American football player. People called him "Tarzan" because he was so strong and athletic on the field. He played football during a time when black colleges had their own separate leagues.
Early Life and College Football Star
Kendall went to Western Colored High School in Owensboro, Kentucky. After high school, he played college football for the Kentucky State Thorobreds. He played as a "back," which is a position that often runs with the ball or helps block. He played for Kentucky State from 1933 to 1936.
A Champion on the Field
Tarzan Kendall was a key player for Kentucky State. He helped his team win the black college football national championship in 1934. This was a huge achievement for the team! In 1935, he led his team to another big win in the Orange Blossom Classic. They beat Florida A&M in that important game. His team's overall record during his playing years was very impressive, showing how dominant they were.
Life After Football
After his football career, Kendall continued to help his community. He became a coach, sharing his knowledge of the game with younger players. He also worked as a teacher and later became a school principal. This shows he was dedicated to education and helping young people grow.
Honors and Legacy
Joseph Kendall also served as a recreational director in his hometown of Owensboro, Kentucky. He did so much for the community that a park was named in his honor. This is a lasting tribute to his contributions. In 1975, he was inducted into the Kentucky State Athletics Hall of Fame. His greatest honor came in 2007 when he was elected to the College Football Hall of Fame. He was the very first player from Kentucky State University to receive this national recognition.
