By Darin 
Before the era of specialized play, there were rare athletes so versatile they defined an entire era. John Lewis “Hurri” Cain, born November 17, 1908, in Montgomery, Alabama, was one of these rare talents. Known as a Triple-Threat phenomenon, Cain was the undisputed engine behind the Alabama Crimson Tide’s 1930 National Championship team, mastering the roles of runner, passer, punter, and defensive star. His legacy is not just one of dominance on the field, but of pure, all-around football greatness that earned him a cherished place in the College Football Hall of Fame.
College Career
The NFF shares a story that then Alabama Head Coach Wallace Wade wanted John Cain in the game, so he barked out, “Hurry, Cain,”. The nickname stuck with John for the rest of his career, as he was often referred to as “Hurri-Cain.” Just to show how talented he was, the 1930 Crimson Tide lineup was listed as all seniors except for the talented Sophomore John Cain. Cain was a first-team selection of the All-America Board in 1931 and a second-team choice in 1932. The National Football Foundation elevated Johnny Cain to College Football Hall of Fame status in 1973. After his playing days, Johnny became head football coach at Southwestern Louisiana and held the position from 1937-41, then served as the athletic director at the same school, 1946-47, and finally was assistant athletic director at Mississippi after that.
Cain’s enduring legacy rests on his foundational role in establishing Alabama’s early national prominence and his reputation as the era’s ultimate utility player. His versatility was so impactful that legendary sportswriter Zipp Newman famously described him as the “best all-around back I ever saw,” a testament to his versatility and ability to dominate on every snap. His subsequent successful career guiding young players and managing college athletics cemented his status as a key figure in Southern football history long after his playing days ended.
- The Ultimate Utility Player: John Cain mastered the roles of runner, passer, and kicker, making him the quintessential triple-threat back of his era.
Accolades, Awards, and Career Stats
Cain’s legacy is defined by his elite collegiate and post-playing honors:
- National Champion: 1930 (University of Alabama)
- Rose Bowl Winner: 1931 (1930 Season)
- College Football Hall of Fame: Inducted in 1973
- First-team All-American: 1931
- Second-team All-American: 1930, 1932
- First-team All-Southern: 1931, 1932
- Career College Record (as Head Coach): 33–19–5