Football History

Albert Exendine, born in Indian Territory in 1884, wasn't just a football player; he was a testament to resilience, adaptability, and the unifying power of the game. His career spanned generations, weaving a narrative of athletic prowess and cultural significance against the backdrop of American history.

Exendine's story begins at the Carlisle Indian Industrial School, where Pop Warner molded him from raw talent into an All-American end. Albert had never played on the gridiron prior to arriving at the school, but was a mainstay star from 1902-1907. Playing against the prejudice of the era, Exendine's speed and skill silenced critics, earning him respect and paving the way for future generations of Native American athletes.

Leaving Carlisle, Exendine embarked on a coaching journey that spanned over four decades. He transformed small colleges into regional powerhouses, and nurturing talent at institutions such as Georgetown, Washington State, and Oklahoma A&M. His innovative "warhorse" offense and emphasis on discipline set him apart, attracting players and establishing himself as a coaching pioneer.

But Exendine's impact transcended wins and losses. He became a bridge between different worlds, coaching both white and Native American players with fairness and respect. He challenged racial stereotypes and advocated for equality in athletics, paving the way for a more inclusive sports landscape.

Beyond the gridiron, Exendine was a respected figure in the Native American community. He served as a tribal council member and advocated for their rights and cultural preservation. His multifaceted life underscored the interconnectedness of his athletic and cultural identities.

The roar of the crowd, the crunch of cleats on grass, the strategic ballet of offense and defense – these are the hallmarks of American football. But for the Carlisle Indian School football team, the gridiron served as more than just a playing field. It became a stage for a complex drama, a battle fought not just for yards and touchdowns, but for identity and respect.

This series delves into the fascinating story of the Carlisle Indians, a team that dominated the early years of the 20th century. We'll explore their rise to national prominence, led by legendary coach Pop Warner and fueled by the raw talent of Native American players like Jim Thorpe. Witness their innovative plays and strategies that revolutionized the game.

However, the story of the Carlisle Indians is not one of simple triumph. Founded as a school aiming to assimilate Native American youth, the team's very existence was a product of a controversial government policy. We'll examine the paradox at the heart of their success – how Native American boys, forcibly removed from their homes and cultures, thrived on a sport that mirrored the very battles their tribes were fighting on the frontier.

This series goes beyond the wins and losses. We'll meet the players, coaches, and administrators who shaped the program. We'll explore the impact the Carlisle Indians had on American football, from developing new strategies to challenging racial stereotypes. But we won't shy away from the complexities – the exploitation, cultural clashes, and the ultimate demise of the school.

Ultimately, the story of the Carlisle Indian football team is one of resilience, defiance, and a bittersweet victory. Join us as we delve into this forgotten chapter of gridiron history, where touchdowns were scored not just on the field, but in the fight for cultural identity and a place in American society.

Jim Thorpe. The name evokes images of unparalleled athletic prowess, a man who transcended sports and symbolized Native American resilience. His football career, though relatively brief, stands as a testament to his raw talent, strategic brilliance, and unwavering determination, forever etched in the annals of gridiron history.

Born James Francis Thorpe in 1887, his life began amidst the cultural clashes of the American frontier. Thorpe, a Sac and Fox Nation member, displayed an exceptional athletic ability from a young age. This talent blossomed at the Carlisle Indian Industrial School, a controversial institution that aimed to assimilate Native American youth. There, Thorpe's football genius truly flourished under the tutelage of legendary coach Pop Warner.

Jim Thorpe's career was a unique spectacle. His physical attributes, a rare combination of size, speed, and power, set him apart. His game was a blend of agility, precision, and bone-crushing tackles, making him a force to be reckoned with. He was a one-man wrecking crew, a phenomenon in the world of sports.
1912 Thorpe led the Carlisle Indians to an undefeated season, culminating in a stunning victory over Harvard, a perennial powerhouse. Thorpe dominated the game, scoring a touchdown on a fumble recovery, a drop kick for a field goal, and even kicking off for a touchback. His performance solidified his reputation as a national sensation, with headlines proclaiming him "the greatest athlete in the world."
Despite his triumphs, Jim Thorpe faced a significant setback. His amateur status was questioned due to payments he had received for playing minor-league baseball. In a decision tainted by racial prejudice, he was stripped of his Olympic medals, leading to a period of public humiliation. This chapter in his life underscores the challenges he had to overcome.

Despite this setback, Thorpe's passion for football remained undimmed. He began a professional career, playing for several teams in the fledgling American Professional Football Association (later known as the NFL). Though professional football was far less structured in those days, Thorpe continued to dominate. He helped popularize the sport and is credited as the league's first president.

His professional career was marked by both brilliance and instability. He bounced between teams, often facing financial hardship due to unpaid contracts and the league's nascent financial structure. Yet, his on-field dominance remained undeniable. Stories abound of his game-winning plays and his ability to single-handedly shift the momentum of a contest.
Jim Thorpe's legacy transcends the gridiron. He challenged racial stereotypes at a time of rampant prejudice. He fought for fair treatment of Native Americans and became a symbol of their enduring spirit. Although his Olympic medals were eventually reinstated in 1983, the injustice he faced remains a blemish on sporting history.

However, Thorpe's impact on football is undeniable. His influence on offensive and defensive strategies and his ability to inspire teammates and captivate audiences secured his place as a true pioneer. He left a legacy that transcends statistics and championships. He embodies the spirit of athletic excellence, a testament to what can be achieved with raw talent and unwavering determination.

Jim Thorpe's impact extends far beyond his playing days. His story continues to inspire athletes, serving as a testament to the power of resilience and the pursuit of excellence. His career offers a fascinating glimpse into the early days of professional football, a time when individual brilliance could reshape a sport. James Francis Thorpe, the 'Sac and Fox wonder,' is not just a football legend; he is an enduring symbol of athletic prowess, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.

-Basic Bio of 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.

June 6, 1879 - Jimmy Johnson was the quarterback for the Carlisle Indian Industrial School from 1899 to 1903 as well as Northwestern University's Dental School in 1904 and 1905. At Carlisle he played under the teaching of the legendary head coach Pop Warner and was named All-American by Walter Camp per the FootballFoundation.org. Camp based his selection on a remarkable game he witnessed when Carlisle played Harvard.  After Carlisle he studied dentistry at Northwestern and helped turn the football program there around in his two seasons played. In 1904 he scored a touchdown and helped beat Illinois 12-6 in the last game played at Sheppard Field. In 1905 he helped dedicate a new field, seating 13,000, on Central Street in Evanston, Illinois, as Northwestern beat Beloit 18-2. Johnson scored a touchdown and ran for 200 yards. Mr. Johnson was selected to enter the College Football Hall of Fame in 1969. After school was completed Johnson returned to Carlisle to help coach the players as an assistant in 1906, one season before a kid named Thorpe showed up to play on the gridiron for the Institute.

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

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

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If you look back at successful football programs from a century ago you can always find those players that personified the school and the era. For the Golden Gophers it may be the legendary Ed Rogers that fits this mold.

Minnesota football Legend Ed Rogers. Born April 14, 1876, in Libby, Minnesota, was the standout end of Carlisle Indian Industrial School from 1896 to 1898 and with Minnesota from 1900 to 1903, Eddie Rogers.

Eddie was raised as a free spirit as his mother was a native American from the Chippewa tribe and his father was a lumber jack in the wilds of the pioneer frontier according to his bio on the NFF’s website. This rearing set his athleticism and ability to quickly react to almost any situation for his later life including his time on the gridiron. Rogers time with the Redman teams of Carlisle helped take the Institution’s football program to national prominence almost a full decade before Jim Thorpe attended the school and a year or two before Pop Warner started his coaching tenure there as well. As a member of the Golden Gophers in 1903 Eddie’s Minnesota team had a 11-0-1 record. In 1904 Rogers was head coach at Carlisle, and had a 9-2 record. The following year he returned to Minneapolis and began practicing law. He practiced law 62 years, 1905- 66, retiring at the age of 90. Eddie Rogers received the great honor of being selected for inclusion into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1968.

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Timothy Brown takes the Football Archaeology to the legendary Carlisle Indian School teams and their tendency under multiple head coaches to travel great distances to play games against top competition.

The legendary Carlisle Industrial School quarterback of 1903, and his bio from the American Indian Hall of Fame.