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Jim Thorpe

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Jim Thorpe

Born May 28, 1887, near Prague, Indian Territory (what is now Oklahoma), was College and Pro Football Hall of Fame player Jim Thorpe. Thorpe was an early NFL player and a Gold Medalist Olympian. What made all of these accomplishments even more impressive was that Thorpe was also breaking race barriers to do so as he was a Native American. Born on a reservation, he ended up playing football for the Carlisle Indian Industrial School in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, under legendary Coach Pop Warner. Thorpe not only won the pentathlon and the decathlon in the 1912 Olympic games for the US and played football, but he was also successful at playing baseball and basketball. As a pro football player, Jim played for the Canton Bulldogs, Cleveland Indians, Oorang Indians, Rock Island Independents, and the New York Giants. One season with the Rock Island Independents wore #1. He started playing in the NFL at 33 till he was 41.


About Sports

Dive into the exhilarating world of sports! Whether you're a die-hard fan or a casual spectator, this section is your ultimate playground for all things athletic. Roar with the crowds, sweat alongside the athletes, and relive iconic moments – it's all here. Explore in-depth analyses of your favorite teams, delve into captivating player profiles, and get fired up by passionate commentaries.

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Oorang Indians

June 24, 1922 -  Oorang Indians franchise forms and survives in the 1922 through the 1923 season. The Ohio History Central website indicates that this team featured Jim Thorpe and every member of the squad was of Native American descent. The team was based in La Rue, Ohio and was very active in the early 1920s APFA. A guy by the name of  Walter Lingo established the franchise in an effort to promote his Oorang dog kennels. La Rue, Ohio, is the smallest community ever to have sponsored a National Football League franchise. However, the Oorang Indians never played a single game in La Rue. All twenty of the team's games during the 1922 and 1923 seasons were on the road. So how did that work out? Well in the team's first season, the Indians finished twelfth in the league, with a record of two wins, six losses, and zero ties. The next season, the team finished eighteenth, with one win, ten losses, and zero ties. Needless to say with only 3 victories and no home games the Oorang Indians had to fold up shop after the 1923 season.

Jim Thorpe

Born May 28, 1887, near Prague, Indian Territory
(what is now Oklahoma), was College and Pro Football Hall of Fame player Jim Thorpe. Thorpe was an early NFL player and a Gold Medalist Olympian. What made all of these accomplishments even more impressive was that Thorpe was also breaking race barriers to do so as he was a Native American. Born on a reservation, he ended up playing football for the Carlisle Indian Industrial School in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, under legendary Coach Pop Warner. Thorpe not only won the pentathlon and the decathlon in the 1912 Olympic games for the US and played football, but he was also successful at playing baseball and basketball. As a pro football player, Jim played for the Canton Bulldogs, Cleveland Indians, Oorang Indians, Rock Island Independents, and the New York Giants. One season with the Rock Island Independents wore Number 1. He started playing in the NFL at 33 till he was 41. NFL Jersey 2. NFL Jersey 21. NFL Jersey 3. NFL Jersey 1.

Jim Thorpe A Legend Beyond the Gridiron

Jim Thorpe's athletic legacy transcends categorization. While best known for his Olympic decathlon and pentathlon victories, his foray into professional football with the Canton Bulldogs in the late teens deserves recognition as he served as the first President of the fledgling NFL (APFA). Though brief, Thorpe's impact on the sport was undeniable.
Thorpe arrived with a reputation as a multi-sport marvel. Despite initial skepticism about his transition from baseball, he quickly impressed coaches with his speed, agility, and powerful throws. His versatility was invaluable – he ran the ball, kicked, punted, and even played some defense. Newspapers reveled in his electrifying plays, solidifying his celebrity status.

However, Thorpe's time with the Giants was marked by challenges. The brutal nature of the game in the 1920s, with minimal protection and grueling travel schedules, took a toll. Injuries hampered his performance, and the financial constraints of the era limited his compensation.
Beyond these challenges, Thorpe faced racial prejudice. As a Native American, he encountered discrimination on and off the field. This added layer of adversity undoubtedly colored his experience.

Despite a shortened stint, Thorpe's impact on the Giants and the NFL is significant. He was a pioneer, one of the first major celebrities to embrace professional football. His presence helped usher in an era of increased interest in the sport.

More importantly, Thorpe's story reminds us that his athletic brilliance extended beyond the track and field. He was a natural athlete who excelled in multiple arenas. While his time with the Giants was short-lived, it adds another remarkable chapter to the legacy of Jim Thorpe, a legend who defied expectations and shattered barriers.

Carlisle at Army 1912 Part 1

Football History | The almost forgotten game of 1912 between Army and Carlisle may have truly shaped the game and the world! — pigskindispatch.com

The almost-forgotten game of 1912 between Army and Carlisle may have truly shaped the game and the world!

Carlisle versus Army 1912 Part 2

Football History | The story of the great game of 1912 where the Carlisle Indians traveled to West Point to take on Army. — pigskindispatch.com

The conclusion to the legendary meeting of powerhouses Army and Carlisle in 1912

Orville Mulligan: Sports Writer
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Bears versus Cardinals: The NFL's Oldest Rivalry
Author Joe Ziemba the master historian of football in Chicago has released another beauty. It is titled Bears versus Cardinals: The NFL's Oldest Rivalry. _________________________

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