By Darin - Key Takeaway: John Kimbrough’s combination of high-knee running action and raw power propelled Texas A&M to a national championship and cemented his place in the College Football Hall of Fame.
College Career
Born on June 14, 1918, in Haskell, Texas, John Kimbrough grew into a powerhouse fullback whose physical running style defined an era. Standing 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighing 210 pounds, he became known as the “Haskell Hurricane” and “Jarrin’ John.”
At Texas A&M University, Kimbrough played under coach Homer Norton from 1938 to 1940. While the Southwest Conference was heavily shifting toward the passing game, Kimbrough proved that a dominant ground game could still dictate the sport. He led the Aggies to a remarkable 20-1 record over his final two seasons. In 1939, Kimbrough guided Texas A&M to a perfect 11-0 season, concluding with a 14-13 victory over Tulane in the Sugar Bowl to claim the consensus National Championship. In that definitive bowl game, he rushed for 152 yards on 26 carries and scored both of his team’s touchdowns. The following season, he led the Aggies to a 9-1 record and a 13-12 Cotton Bowl victory over Fordham.
Road to the Pro Game
Kimbrough’s collegiate dominance made him one of the most coveted prospects in the nation. He was selected in the first round as the second overall pick in the 1941 NFL Draft by the Chicago Cardinals. However, his path to professional football took an unconventional route.
He initially signed with the New York Americans of the third American Football League (AFL) in 1941. Following the entry of the United States into World War II, Kimbrough put his football career on hold to serve as a pilot in the Army Air Corps, eventually earning the rank of captain. Upon returning from military service, Kimbrough resumed his professional football career in the All-America Football Conference (AAFC), playing fullback for the Los Angeles Dons from 1946 to 1948.
Football Legacy
John Kimbrough’s football legacy is defined by his punishing, pile-driving running style. Coach Homer Norton frequently compared Kimbrough’s athletic gifts to gridiron icons like Red Grange, Jim Thorpe, and Bronko Nagurski. His ability to break tackles with high-knee action made him the prototypical powerhouse fullback of early modern football. In recognition of his impact on the collegiate game, Kimbrough was formally inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1954.
Accolades, Awards, and Career Stats
Collegiate Honors
- National Champion: 1939 (Texas A&M)
- Heisman Trophy Runner-Up: 1940 (Finished second to Michigan’s Tom Harmon)
- All-America Honors: Consensus All-American (1939), Unanimous All-American (1940)
- All-Southwest Conference (SWC): 3-Time First-team selection (1938, 1939, 1940)
- SWC MVP: 1939
- Hall of Fame Induction: College Football Hall of Fame (Class of 1954)
Professional Statistics (AAFC Career)
- Rushing Yards: 1,224
- Rushing Touchdowns: 17 (AAFC co-leader in rushing touchdowns in 1946)
- Rushing Average: 3.7 yards per carry
- Receptions: 35
- Receiving Yards: 574
- Receiving Touchdowns: 6