Thomas Johnson (American football coach) facts for kids
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| Biographical details | |
|---|---|
| Born | March 10, 1917 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
| Died | March 21, 2007 (aged 90) Silver Spring, Maryland |
| Alma mater | Springfield (MA) |
| Playing career | |
| Football | |
| 1946 | New York Brown Bombers |
| Baseball | |
| 1940 | Philadelphia Stars |
| 1950 | Indianapolis Clowns |
| Coaching career (HC unless noted) | |
| Football | |
| 1953–1956 | Howard |
| Baseball | |
| 1949 | Howard |
| 1957–1959 | Howard |
| Administrative career (AD unless noted) | |
| 1963 | Pittsburgh Pirates (scout) |
| Head coaching record | |
| Overall | 12–22–2 (football) 61–35 (baseball) |
Thomas Fairfax Johnson (March 10, 1917 – March 21, 2007) was a talented American athlete and coach. People often called him "Lil Professor" because he was very smart. He played in the Negro league baseball and later became a successful American football coach. He was the main football coach at Howard University from 1953 to 1956.
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Thomas Johnson's Early Life and Education
Thomas Johnson was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He loved sports and learning from a young age. He went to Springfield College and earned his first degree in 1940. That same summer, he played baseball for the Philadelphia Stars.
After college, Thomas served in the USO during World War II. The USO helps entertain and support U.S. troops. After the war, he continued his education. He got a graduate degree from New York University in 1947. Later, in 1967, he earned his Ph.D. from the University of Maryland.
A Career in Sports and Teaching
Thomas Johnson had a long and interesting career. He was a player, a coach, and even a professor!
Playing Baseball and Football
As a baseball player, Thomas Johnson played for the Philadelphia Stars in 1940. He also played for the Indianapolis Clowns in 1950. He even played football for the New York Brown Bombers in 1946. He was a true all-around athlete!
Coaching at Howard University
In 1946, Thomas Johnson started coaching at Howard University. He coached both football and baseball teams there. He was the head football coach for Howard from 1953 to 1956. He also coached the baseball team in 1949 and again from 1957 to 1959. His football team had an overall record of 12 wins, 22 losses, and 2 ties. His baseball teams had a great record of 61 wins and 35 losses.
Professor and Scout
Beyond coaching, Thomas Johnson was also a professor. He taught physiology at Howard University from 1962 to 1978. Physiology is the study of how living things work. In 1963, he also worked as a scout for the Pittsburgh Pirates baseball team. A scout looks for new talented players.
Later Life
Thomas Johnson passed away in Silver Spring, Maryland in 2007. He was 90 years old. He is remembered for his many contributions to sports and education.
