Football History

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'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.

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.

March 28, 1953 - The Sports world loses one of history’s most outstanding athletes as Jim Thorpe passes away at the age of 65 years old in Lomita, California. Thorpe most famously won Gold in the 1912 Olympic games, but they were stripped of them due to playing a bit of minor league baseball in 1910 ( See our January 26 post).

They posthumously returned the medals to Thorpe’s credit in 1983. (See our January 18 post) But his football prowess is what we most remember this legend for. ( Visit our May 28 blog article on the subject)

The Native American played famously for Pop Warner at the Carlisle Indian Industrial School. When the early NFL formed, Thorpe became the American Professional Football Association’s first president. As we know, the APFA later changed its name to the NFL. As a pro football player, Jim played for the Canton Bulldogs, Cleveland Indians, Oorang Indians, Rock Island Independents, and New York Giants.

1946 - The Miami News Sports Editor, Guy Butler, released a story told to him by Jim Thorpe. Thorpe recanted a tale of the first time he met the legendary Knute Rockne.

In 1915, Thorpe Jr. began his professional football career after a season with the baseball Giants. The Canton Bulldogs were reformed (the team went on hiatus after a 1906 scandal), and they scheduled a game against the Massillon Tigers. These teams had their initial professional football beginnings back in 1902.

This was Thorpe's first experience with professional football. The game occurred midway between Massillon and Canton, Ohio; the towns are about eight miles apart. That afternoon, Thorpe met Knute Rockne for the first time. Rockne played end for Massillon, while Thorpe was a halfback for Canton.

Jim Thorpe undoubtedly played his best football with Canton in those first few years, surpassing his Carlisle performances. Jim surprised the sports world with his speed and skill. He played this challenging game until he was 41. He could hit an opponent with tremendous force, which became evident on this fateful day against Massillon.

Once, Thorpe faced a young, eager tackle trying to impress his teammates with his toughness, believing professional football was perfect for him. He was overly enthusiastic about tackling and wouldn't stop. So, the next time he went for a tackle, Thorpe says he stopped, intentionally dropped the ball, and the brash Massillon end picked it up. Then, bam! He didn't see it coming; the "Burley Indian" struck him, and he was knocked unconscious.

Thorpe told him not to do that again, but how could he respond? He was out cold.

That was the first encounter of football legends Jim Thorpe and Knute Rockne.

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

The Oorang Indians, a truly unique phenomenon in NFL history, existed for just two seasons (1922-23) in La Rue, Ohio. The NFL granted owner Walter Lingo a franchise on June 24, 1922, to promote his Airedale terrier kennels. The team, a rarity in its time, consisted entirely of Native American players, including the legendary Jim Thorpe as player-coach. Despite the star power, their overall record was poor, with only four wins in twenty League games .

The "Indians" moniker, considered insensitive today, reflected the era's stereotypes. Lingo prioritized publicity over location. La Rue, Ohio, is the smallest community ever to have sponsored a National Football League franchise, making them a traveling team as they have yet to play a single game in La Rue.

The Oorang Indians' novelty drew crowds, but their limited practice time posed a significant challenge. Victories were hard to come by. However, in a short time, they left an indelible mark. They were pioneers, introducing training camps with shared player-staff duties and showcasing the exceptional athleticism of Native American players on a national stage, inspiring future generations of players and teams.

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Native American players have played a pivotal role in shaping the game of American football. Their athleticism, skill, and unique cultural perspective have enriched the sport in countless ways. From the early days of the game to the modern era, Native American athletes have consistently excelled on the gridiron.

In this episode, we talk with an expert studying and preserving the legacies of legendary Native American athletes.

Bill Black, a Native American himself, has started a movement to recognize these incredible athletes, and we have the opportunity to learn more about some of his football players to whom the homage is paid in this episode. Visit this amazing site: NDN All-Stars, where football legends such as Jim Thorpe, Joe Guyon, Jim Plunkett, and Sonny Sixkiller are remembered next to Native American athletes of other sports genres like Johnny Bench, Louis Sockalexis, Shoni Schimmel, Jack Dempsey, Notah Begay, Rickie Fowler, and so many more!

One of the most significant contributions of Native American players has been their physical prowess. Their natural athleticism, often honed through traditional hunting and gathering practices, has made them formidable opponents. Many Native American players have possessed exceptional speed, agility, and strength, qualities that have been essential to success in football.

Beyond their physical abilities, Native American players have also brought a distinct cultural perspective to the game. Their deep connection to the land and their strong sense of community have influenced their approach to the sport. Native American players often exhibit a unique blend of toughness, resilience, and a team-first mentality. These qualities have helped them to overcome adversity and achieve success on the football field.

In conclusion, Native American players have made invaluable contributions to the game of American football. Their athleticism, skill, and cultural perspective have enriched the sport in countless ways. From the early days of the game to the modern era, Native American athletes have consistently excelled on the gridiron, leaving a lasting legacy that will continue to inspire generations of players to come.

This image is courtesy of Wikimedia Commons of Face Detail From Jim Thorpe Canton Bulldogs 1915 20 Cropped