January 5, 1892 - Eightmile, Oregon - John Beckett, the tackler from Oregon, celebrated his birth. His bio on the NFF's website says he played on the gridiron for Oregon from 1913 to 1916. In his senior season, he was the team captain, did the punting, and sometimes played halfback. His bio goes on to read that Beckett joined the Marines during his senior year in college. He was assigned to the marine base at Mare Island, California, and was on the football team again; he played in the Rose Bowl as Mare Island defeated Camp Lewis 19-7. Beckett's teams, Oregon in 1916 and Mare Island in 1917, were undefeated. John Beckett is the only player to captain two different Rose Bowl teams. The College Football Hall of Fame welcomed John Beckett into their museum of collegiate gridiron legends in 1972.
Football Daily
John Beckett -College Football HOF Star
Greatest Pro Team
Who was the MOST DOMINANT team in Pro Football History? We have the answer in the latest Pigskin Dispatch book The World's Greatest Pro Gridiron Team
FREE Daily Sports History
You are only seconds away from receiving the Pigpen's Newsletter everyday filled with new items
SUBSCRIBE BY CLICKING
_________________________
A Legend on Two Battlefields
John Beckett wasn't your typical football star. His legacy straddles two worlds - the gridiron and the battlefield - etching his name in both athletic and military history. Here's a summary of his remarkable career:
Football Accolades :
-All-around athlete playing tackle, halfback, and punter for the University of Oregon (1913-1916).
-Captain of the 1916 Oregon team, leading them to an undefeated record and a tie for the Pacific Coast Conference championship.
-Named Most Valuable Player of the 1917 Rose Bowl after leading Oregon to victory over Pennsylvania.
-Served as captain of the 1917 Marine Corps team, the only person ever to captain two Rose Bowl teams.
-Inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1972.
Military Service (1917-1967):
-Enlisted in the Marines during his senior year at Oregon, serving with distinction for 50 years.
-Reached the rank of Brigadier General, earning medals for bravery and leadership in World War I, World War II, and the Korean War.
-Commanded the Fifth Marine Regiment during the Battle of Iwo Jima, one of the bloodiest battles in Marine Corps history.
-Coached Marine football teams at various stations, achieving an impressive 56-19-3 record.
John Beckett's career was a testament to human potential. He excelled in athletics, mastered the demands of military service, and led by example on and off the field. His story continues to inspire generations of athletes and soldiers, reminding us that true greatness lies not just in achievements but in the character and spirit with which we pursue them.
Football Accolades :
-All-around athlete playing tackle, halfback, and punter for the University of Oregon (1913-1916).
-Captain of the 1916 Oregon team, leading them to an undefeated record and a tie for the Pacific Coast Conference championship.
-Named Most Valuable Player of the 1917 Rose Bowl after leading Oregon to victory over Pennsylvania.
-Served as captain of the 1917 Marine Corps team, the only person ever to captain two Rose Bowl teams.
-Inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1972.
Military Service (1917-1967):
-Enlisted in the Marines during his senior year at Oregon, serving with distinction for 50 years.
-Reached the rank of Brigadier General, earning medals for bravery and leadership in World War I, World War II, and the Korean War.
-Commanded the Fifth Marine Regiment during the Battle of Iwo Jima, one of the bloodiest battles in Marine Corps history.
-Coached Marine football teams at various stations, achieving an impressive 56-19-3 record.
John Beckett's career was a testament to human potential. He excelled in athletics, mastered the demands of military service, and led by example on and off the field. His story continues to inspire generations of athletes and soldiers, reminding us that true greatness lies not just in achievements but in the character and spirit with which we pursue them.
Related Searches
football position:halfback
Orville Mulligan: Sports Writer
We invite you to take a ride through 1920's sports history in the audio drama that takes the listener through the sounds and legendary events of the era through the eyes of a young newspaper journalist. You will feel like you were there!
Brought to you by Number 80 Productions and Pigskin Dispatch
_________________________
Proud to Support The Professional Football Researchers Association
To learn more about joining the fun in preserving football history go to The Official PFRA Website.
_________________________
We have placed some product links on this page. If you purchase by clicking on them, we will get a commission to use to help with operating costs.
Sports Jersey Dispatch
If you like remembering players of the NFL by their numbers then you may also enjoy going uniform number by number in other team sports as well. We have it for you on our other website in baseball, basketball, hockey and more on the Sports Jersey Dispatch.
_________________________
Gridiron Legacy: Pro Football's Missing Origin Story
Author Gregg Ficery tells the story of the beginnings of Pro Football through the pro football career of his Great Grandfather, Bob Shiring
_________________________
Sports History Network
A Proud Partner in the Headquarters of Sports Yesteryear, SHN.
_________________________
Sports Memorabilia
This Deal Ends Soon! We have become an affiliate of SportsMemorabilia.com. Find the latest deals on football treasures. When you purchase you not only get great historical items but you also help Pigskin Dispatch. It is win win!
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.
_________________________
Posts on "John Beckett -College Football HOF Star"
GROUPS: PUBLICSITEGROUP