Joe “Tarzan” Kendall dominated the college gridiron as a multi-talented halfback, building a legacy that earned him a spot in the College Football Hall of Fame.
Football Bio
October 2, 1909 – Joe “Tarzan” Kendall was a Kentucky State halfback, placekicker, punter, and passer. Football Foundation.org notes that Kendall often used his running ability to avoid oncoming rushers, scrambling to buy time to let his receivers get open downfield, then delivering the goods.
Kendall excelled at West Kentucky, a junior college in 1932, and earned 3rd team All-America honors before enrolling to play for the Kentucky State Thoroughbreds. Kentucky State ran a wide-open offensive system that suited Joe’s talents, and he thrived.
The National Football Foundation voted Joe into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2007.
Kendall cemented his status as a legendary gridiron pioneer, blazing a trail for future generations and securing his permanent spot among the game’s all-time greats.
Accolades and Football Accomplishments
- Inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2007.
- Led the Kentucky State Thoroughbreds to a Black College National Championship in 1934.
- Named a First-Team Black College All-American three consecutive times (1934β1936).
- Led Kentucky State to an Orange Blossom Classic victory in 1935.
- Amassed a 29-7-3 overall record during his college football career.
- Named to the all-time Black College football team the year after his playing career ended.
- Inducted into the Kentucky State Athletics Hall of Fame in 1975. [Source]
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