Orien Crow facts for kids
| No. 23 | |
|---|---|
| Position: | Center |
| Personal information | |
| Born: | September 7, 1912 Salem, Missouri |
| Died: | June 21, 1994 (aged 81) |
| Height: | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) |
| Weight: | 220 lb (100 kg) |
| Career information | |
| College: | Haskell |
| Career history | |
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John Orien Crow (born September 7, 1912 – died June 21, 1994) was an important Native American leader and a professional American football player. He played as a center for the Boston Redskins in the National Football League (NFL) during the 1933 and 1934 seasons. Beyond his sports career, Crow made history as a leader in the Bureau of Indian Affairs, becoming the first Native American to serve as its acting Commissioner in many years.
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John Crow: A Life of Service and Sport
John Orien Crow was a remarkable person who achieved success both on the football field and in government. He is remembered for his time as a professional football player and for his long career helping Native American communities. His journey shows how dedication can lead to big accomplishments.
Early Life and College Football
John Orien Crow was born on September 7, 1912. He was a member of the Cherokee Nation. For his education, he attended the Haskell Institute, which is now known as Haskell Indian Nations University. While at Haskell, he was a talented college football player. His skills on the field helped him prepare for a career in professional sports.
Playing in the NFL
After his college days, John Crow joined the National Football League (NFL). He played for the Boston Redskins team. His position was center, which is a key role in football. The center snaps the ball to the quarterback and helps block defenders. He played professionally for two seasons, in 1933 and 1934.
A Leader in Government
John Crow's career went far beyond football. In 1933, the same year he started playing in the NFL, he also began working for the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA). The BIA is a government agency in the United States that works with Native American tribes and communities.
Crow started as a clerical worker in North Dakota. This means he handled office tasks and paperwork. Over many years, he worked very hard and moved up through different roles within the BIA. His dedication and knowledge helped him rise through the ranks.
Becoming Acting Commissioner
In 1961, John Crow achieved a major milestone. He became the acting Commissioner of the Bureau of Indian Affairs. This was a very important position, as the Commissioner leads the entire agency. What made this even more special was that he was the first Native American to serve as Commissioner since Ely S. Parker in 1871. This showed his strong leadership and commitment to helping Native American people. He continued to work for the BIA for many years, making a positive impact. John Orien Crow passed away on June 21, 1994.
