Ralph Jarvis facts for kids

Ralph A. Jarvis (born June 1, 1965) is a former American football player. He played as a defensive end. Ralph Jarvis played one season with the Indianapolis Colts in the National Football League (NFL). He was chosen by the Chicago Bears in the third round of the 1988 NFL draft. Before playing professionally, he played college football at Temple University. Jarvis also played in the Arena Football League (AFL) and the Canadian Football League (CFL).

Early Life and College Football

Ralph A. Jarvis was born on June 1, 1965, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He went to Germantown High School for two years. He did not play football there. Later, he played high school football at Glen Mills Schools in Glen Mills, Pennsylvania. Growing up, he also enjoyed playing street basketball.

Jarvis played for the Temple Owls at Temple University. He was part of the team from 1984 to 1987. During his junior year, he only played in three games. This was because his coach, Bruce Arians, suspended him for missing classes.

Professional Football Career

Ralph Jarvis was picked by the Chicago Bears in the 1988 NFL draft. He was the 78th player chosen overall in the third round. After being drafted, Jarvis said he wanted to thank the judge who sent him to Glen Mills Schools. He officially signed with the Bears on May 17, 1988. However, the Bears released him on August 29, 1988.

NFL and CFL Teams

The New York Jets then claimed Jarvis on August 30, 1988. But he was released by the Jets on September 14, 1988, before playing in any games for them. On September 20, 1988, Jarvis signed with the Ottawa Rough Riders in the Canadian Football League (CFL). He played in four games for the Rough Riders during the 1988 CFL season. He was released by the team on October 21, 1988.

Jarvis signed a contract with the Jets again on November 21, 1988. He was released by them on May 31, 1989. The Buffalo Bills signed him on June 12, 1989. However, they released him on September 5, 1989. Jarvis then signed with the Calgary Stampeders of the CFL on September 11, 1989. He played in one game for the Stampeders. In that game, he made one tackle and recovered one fumble. He was released by the Stampeders on September 18, 1989.

On October 11, 1989, Jarvis joined the practice squad of the Indianapolis Colts. The Colts released him on December 26, 1989. He signed with the Bills again on February 6, 1990. But he was waived by them on August 20, 1990. The Colts claimed him again on August 22, 1990. He was released on September 3, 1990, and then signed to the Colts' practice squad. On October 19, 1990, he was moved to the active roster. He played in eight games for the Colts that year. Jarvis became a free agent after the 1990 season.

Arena Football League (AFL) Career

Jarvis played for the Tampa Bay Storm in the Arena Football League (AFL) in 1992. He played in nine games. He made seven solo tackles, three sacks, and one pass breakup. He also caught six passes for 55 yards and scored three touchdowns. In the AFL, players often played both offense and defense. This was due to the league's "ironman rules."

In 1993, Jarvis played in six games for the Storm. He had two solo tackles, one assisted tackle, and caught seven passes for 99 yards and one touchdown. On August 21, 1993, the Storm won ArenaBowl VII. They beat the Detroit Drive 51–31.

Jarvis played all 12 games for the Massachusetts Marauders in the 1994 AFL season. He had 15 solo tackles, five assisted tackles, two sacks, and two forced fumbles. He also broke up two passes and caught eight passes for 56 yards and three touchdowns. The Marauders finished the year with an 8–4 record. They lost in the semifinals to the Orlando Predators 51–42. Jarvis was named second-team All-Arena for his great performance in 1994.

He played all 12 games for the Milwaukee Mustangs in 1995. He recorded ten solo tackles, seven assisted tackles, and six sacks. He also forced one fumble, broke up two passes, and blocked three kicks. On offense, he caught four passes for 78 yards and one touchdown. He also returned one kick for a three-yard touchdown. The Mustangs finished the season 4–8. Jarvis earned first-team All-Arena honors for the 1995 season.

In 1996, he played all 14 games for Milwaukee. He had 24 solo tackles, five assisted tackles, and 8.5 sacks. He also forced one fumble, broke up 14 passes, and blocked two kicks. He caught three passes for 19 yards and one touchdown. The Mustangs finished 10–4 but lost in the first round of the playoffs to the Albany Firebirds. Jarvis was named second-team All-Arena again for the 1996 season.

He played all 14 games for the Mustangs in 1997. He had eight solo tackles, seven assisted tackles, and 3.5 sacks. He also forced one fumble, broke up seven passes, and blocked four kicks. He caught two passes for 37 yards. Milwaukee finished with an 8–6 record. In 1998, he played in six games for the Mustangs. He had three solo tackles, two assisted tackles, one sack, and one fumble recovery. He also caught one pass for four yards. He was inactive for two weeks during the 1998 season after his father passed away.

On June 17, 1998, Jarvis was traded to the Arizona Rattlers. He played in six games for the Rattlers that year. He made four solo tackles and four assisted tackles. Jarvis signed with the New Jersey Red Dogs of the AFL on March 18, 1999. He played in three games during his final AFL season in 1999. He recorded one interception.