John Randle facts for kids
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Randle with the Seattle Seahawks in 2002
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| Position: | Defensive tackle | ||||||||||||
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| Born: | December 12, 1967 Mumford, Texas, U.S. |
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| Height: | 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) | ||||||||||||
| Weight: | 290 lb (132 kg) | ||||||||||||
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| High school: | Hearne (Hearne, Texas) |
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| College: | Trinity Valley (1986–1987) Texas A&I (1988–1989) |
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| Undrafted: | 1990 | ||||||||||||
| Career history | |||||||||||||
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| Career highlights and awards | |||||||||||||
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| Player stats at PFR | |||||||||||||
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Pro Football Hall of Fame
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College Football Hall of Fame
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John Anthony Randle (born December 12, 1967) is a former American football player. He played as a defensive tackle in the National Football League (NFL) for the Minnesota Vikings and Seattle Seahawks. John Randle was known as one of the best defensive tackles of his time.
He was chosen for the first-team All-Pro team six times and played in the Pro Bowl seven times. His 137.5 sacks are among the highest ever for a defensive tackle. In 2010, he was voted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, which is a huge honor for football players.
Contents
Early Life and College Football
John Randle grew up in Mumford, Texas. He played high school football in Hearne, Texas. His older brother, Ervin Randle, also played in the NFL as a linebacker.
John started his college football journey at Trinity Valley Community College. Later, he moved to Texas A&M University–Kingsville to continue playing.
Playing in the NFL
Joining the Minnesota Vikings
After college, John Randle was not chosen by any team in the 1990 NFL draft. This means he was an undrafted free agent. He tried out for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but they thought he was too small.
However, the Minnesota Vikings decided to give him a chance. They signed him after a scout recommended him. John Randle played his first NFL season in 1990.
Becoming a Star Player
John Randle quickly became one of the best defensive tackles in the NFL. He went to his first Pro Bowl in 1993. That year, he had 11.5 sacks, which is when a player tackles the opposing team's quarterback.
He had 10 or more sacks in nine different seasons. In 1997, he led the entire league with 15.5 sacks, which was his career best.
Randle's Unique Style
John Randle was famous for his unique style on the field. He often painted his face with bold designs. He was also known for talking a lot to opposing players during games.
One of his famous sayings was "Six footers for LIFE!" This was his way of saying that even though some scouts thought he was too short for his position, he was still a great player.
He had a fun rivalry with Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre. Favre said that Randle was the toughest defensive player he ever faced.
Playing for the Seattle Seahawks
After the 2000 season, John Randle joined the Seattle Seahawks. In his first year with the Seahawks in 2001, he was invited to the Pro Bowl again. This was his last Pro Bowl appearance.
John Randle retired from football in 2004. He had planned to retire in 2003, but his coach, Mike Holmgren, convinced him to play one more year. In 2003, the Seahawks made it to the playoffs.
Randle's Amazing Career
When John Randle retired, he had 137.5 sacks in his career. This was one of the highest totals for a defensive tackle in NFL history. He was chosen for seven Pro Bowl teams during his career.
His coach, Mike Holmgren, said that John Randle had more fun playing football than any other player he had seen. He also mentioned that John Randle was a different person on and off the field.
Achievements and Legacy
John Randle has received many honors for his football career.
- In 2008, he was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame. He was also added to the Minnesota Vikings Ring of Honor.
- In 2010, John Randle was elected into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. This is the highest honor for an NFL player. He was inducted in Canton, Ohio, on August 7, 2010.
- That same year, he was also inducted into the Texas Sports Hall of Fame. His old high school team retired his jersey number to honor him.
- In 2019, John Randle was inducted into the Minnesota Sports Hall of Fame.
John Randle lives in Medina, Minnesota, with his wife and children.
