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Henry Jordan
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Henry Jordan
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Medal record
Collegiate Wrestling
Representing the Virginia Cavaliers
NCAA Division I Championships
Silver medal – second place 1957 Pittsburgh Heavyweight

Key Information

Henry Wendell Jordan (January 26, 1935 – February 21, 1977) was an American professional football player who was a defensive tackle for 13 seasons in the National Football League (NFL) with the Cleveland Browns and Green Bay Packers. He played college football for the Virginia Cavaliers and was selected in the fifth round of the 1957 NFL draft. He played in the NFL from 1957 to 1969 and is a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.[1]

Early life

[edit]

Jordan was born on January 26, 1935, in Emporia, Virginia. He graduated in 1953 from Warwick High School, in Newport News.[2][3] At Warwick, Jordan showed himself to be outstanding as a leader, as well as academically and in athletics, among other things.[3] Jordan served multiple times as class president. He lettered in football, track and wrestling. He was a football co-captain, and was selected All-Tidewater, All-Eastern District, and honorable mention for All-State. In wrestling, as a junior he won the State AAU Heavyweight Wrestling Championship.[4]

In 1985, a college scholarship fund to honor Jordan was created to assist a graduating Warwick senior in going to college. In 2008, the Henry Jordan Memorial Scholarship Fund formally was established with the Peninsula Community Foundation of Virginia to provide annual college scholarships to a Warwick senior.[3]

College

[edit]

Jordan attend the University of Virginia (UVA), where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in commerce in 1957. He was a Dean's list student academically, vice-president of his graduating class, and honored as the Distinguished Military Student of 1957. He played college football, and was the captain of the football team as a senior, also being named All-State and All-Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).[3][4] Jordan was also an All-American wrestler in 1957 (UVA's first), the ACC champion in 1957 in the unlimited weight division, and National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) runner-up at 1957 NCAA Wrestling championships.[4][5][6] He was a member of the Beta chapter of Sigma Nu fraternity at UVA.[7]

Professional career

[edit]

Jordan was selected in the fifth round of the 1957 NFL draft by the Cleveland Browns.[8] He played in every Browns game for two years (1957-58), but did not start any.[9] After two years, the Browns traded him for a fourth round draft choice to the Green Bay Packers in Vince Lombardi's first season.[10][11] He would go on to play for Green Bay from 1959-1969, as an integral part of five championship teams.

In 1959, Lombardi started Jordan in all 12 games at right defensive tackle. In 1960, he started at both defensive tackle positions, with 7.5 quarterback sacks and five fumble recoveries.[9] He was selected first-team All-Pro by the Associated Press (AP) and United Press International (UPI).[12] He also played in the 1960 Pro Bowl.[13] The Packers reached the 1960 NFL Championship game, with Jordan starting at right defensive tackle, but lost to the Philadelphia Eagles. 17–13.[14]

The 1961 Packers went on to win the NFL Championship game, defeating the New York Giants 37–0, Jordan again starting at right defensive tackle.[15] In 1961, he had 8.5 sacks during the regular season,[9] and was again named first-team All-Pro by the AP and UPI, as well as by the Newspaper Enterprise Association (NEA); and once again chosen to play in the Pro Bowl.[16][17] The Packers won the NFL championship over the Giants again in 1962 with Jordan at right tackle.[18] He had 8.5 sacks, an interception and a fumble recovery during the regular season, and was named first-team All Pro by the AP and second-team All Pro by the NEA and UPI.[19]

Jordan was again selected to the Pro Bowl in 1963, and was named first-team All Pro by the AP, NEA and UPI.[20] In 1964, he was named first-team All Pro by the AP and UPI.[21] In 1966, Jordan was again selected to the Pro Bowl, and was named second-team All Pro by the AP, NEA and UPI.[22] He had five, 6.5 and 7.5 sacks in 1965-1967, respectively.[9]

With Jordan starting, the Packers won the NFL championship games again in 1965,[23][24] 1966 (where Jordan had a sack),[25][26] and 1967.[27][28] They were victors in the first two Super Bowls, with Jordan starting: on January 15, 1967 where Jordan had 1.5 sacks,[29][30] and January 14, 1968.[31] In Super Bowl I against the Kansas City Chiefs, Jordan's hit on quarterback Len Dawson led to a key interception by the Packers Willie Wood.[6]

Before getting to the 1967 NFL championship game and Super Bowl, the Packers defeated the Los Angeles Rams in the division playoff round, 28–7.[32] The Rams were 11–1–2 that season and were favored in the game. Jordan had 3.5 sacks, playing against future Hall of Fame guard Tom Mack.[33][6]

Jordan retired after the 1969 season, the result of injuries.[8][34]

Career

[edit]

Jordan was elected to four Pro Bowls (1960, 1961, 1963, and 1966), and he was the Pro Bowl MVP in 1961.[citation needed] Jordan was All-NFL six times,[35] and he was a defensive leader on a Green Bay Packers team that won five of six NFL title games in eight seasons and won the first two Super Bowls.

A tenacious competitor on the field, Jordan was the vibrant and jovial wit among Lombardi's Packers, and was highly regarded by his teammates.[36][37][38][39][40] Highly quotable, his outgoing personality put him in demand as an after-dinner speaker.[1][37][39]

Most notably among his quips is: “Lombardi treats us all the same, like dogs.”[41]

Honors

[edit]

In 1974, Jordan was inducted into the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame.[4] In 1975, he was inducted into the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame.[6]

In 1995, Henry Jordan was inducted posthumously into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.[2]

He was represented in the coin toss ceremony at Super Bowl XXIX by former teammate Ray Nitschke, who was also named to the NFL's 75th Anniversary team. The ceremony brought together former NFL stars of the 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s, with surviving members of that year's Hall of Fame class representing the latter decade (one of them, then-Congressman Steve Largent flipped the coin on their behalf).[citation needed]

In 2000, the Warwick High School athletics field was named in his honor.[42]

In May 2009, he was named to the Hampton Roads Sports Hall of Fame, which honors athletes, coaches and administrators who contributed to sports in southeastern Virginia.[34]

Personal life

[edit]

Jordan retired at age 35 in February 1970, after an injury-filled 1969 season. In 1970, Jordan relocated south to Milwaukee to create and oversee Summerfest.[43] He was successful in business before his early death.[34]

Death

[edit]

On February 21, 1977, seven years after leaving Green Bay, Jordan died at age 42 of a heart attack after jogging.[44]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Henry Jordan

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from Grokipedia
Henry Jordan (January 26, 1935 – February 21, 1977) was an American professional football defensive tackle who played 13 seasons in the (), primarily with the , where he was a cornerstone of their dominant defense during the dynasty. Born in , Jordan attended the , where he played before being selected by the in the fifth round of the . He spent his first two seasons with the Browns, appearing in 24 games and recording early defensive contributions, including fumble recoveries. Traded to the in 1959, Jordan quickly became a vital part of coach Vince Lombardi's innovative defensive line, anchoring the unit alongside Hall of Famers like Willie Davis and . Over his 11 seasons with the Packers (1959–1969), Jordan played in 139 games, amassing 59.5 sacks (unofficial), 21 fumble recoveries, and one interception, while helping the team secure six division titles, five championships (1961, 1962, 1965, 1966, 1967), and victories in and . His disruptive presence on the interior line was instrumental in high-stakes games, such as the 1961 and 1962 Championship victories over the , where he dominated offensive linemen, and in , where he recorded 1.5 sacks. Jordan earned first-team honors five consecutive years from 1960 to 1964, was selected to four s (1960, 1961, 1963, 1966), and was named the outstanding lineman in the 1962 . Known for his quickness at 6 feet 2 inches and 248 pounds, Jordan exemplified the intelligence and technique Lombardi demanded, famously quipping that he played for "the love of the game, the love of money, and the fear of ." He was also recognized on milestone Packers teams, including the 50th Anniversary Team in 1969 and the All-Modern Era Team in 1976. After retiring following the 1969 season, Jordan transitioned to a business career as executive sales director for Milwaukee's , but tragically died of a heart attack at age 42. His legacy as a fifth inductee from the Packers' legendary defense was cemented with his posthumous enshrinement in the in 1995.

Early life and education

Upbringing

Henry Wendell Jordan was born on January 26, 1935, in Emporia, Virginia, a small town in Greensville County. He was the son of Henry Warren Jordan and Katherine Jordan. Jordan grew up in a family with half-siblings from his father's side, including Katherine Alma Jordan Davidson (1914–2000), James Rowell Jordan (1916–1984), Willia Adelia Jordan Grizzard (1917–1987), and Lester Warren Jordan (1922–1985). He also had a younger brother, Gene Jordan. Details on his immediate family dynamics are sparse, but his rural Virginia upbringing in Emporia, amid the agricultural landscapes of southern Virginia during the Great Depression's aftermath. By his teenage years, Jordan had relocated to Newport News, where he graduated from Warwick High School in 1953. This transition marked the end of his early childhood and the beginning of his formal engagement with organized sports.

High school career

Henry Jordan attended Warwick High School in Newport News, Virginia, where he emerged as a standout multi-sport athlete. He participated in football, track, and wrestling, lettering in all three sports during his high school years. In wrestling, Jordan achieved significant success as a junior when, at age 16, he won the State AAU Wrestling Championship, competing against adult opponents. This accomplishment highlighted his early dominance in the sport and contributed to his reputation as a versatile athlete capable of excelling across disciplines. Jordan's overall excellence in multiple sports at earned him lasting recognition as one of the school's premier multi-sport talents. In 1985, following his professional accomplishments, Warwick High School established the Henry Jordan Scholarship Fund to honor his legacy, providing annual awards to graduating seniors for academic and athletic achievement; the fund was formally incorporated with the Peninsula Community Foundation of in 2008.

College career

Henry Jordan attended the from 1953 to 1957, where he excelled both academically and athletically. He earned a degree in in 1957 and maintained a strong academic record, appearing on the throughout his studies. He graduated with honors, was named a Distinguished Military Student in 1957 and commissioned as a in the U.S. , served as Chairman of the U.V.A. Athletic Board, and was selected as the University of Virginia Athlete of the Year for 1956-1957. In football, Jordan played as a defensive tackle and served as captain of the Cavaliers team during his senior year in 1956. He earned All-State and All-Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) honors for his performance, contributing significantly to the team's defensive efforts. Jordan also distinguished himself in wrestling, competing in the heavyweight (unlimited) division. He won the ACC championship in 1957 and became the University of Virginia's first All-American wrestler by placing second in the NCAA Championships that same year. His leadership extended beyond the field and mat, as he served as vice president of his class and exemplified dedication to university athletics through his multi-sport participation and role-model status among peers. Jordan's achievements helped elevate the visibility of UVA's programs during his era.

Professional career

Cleveland Browns

Henry Jordan was selected by the Cleveland Browns in the fifth round (52nd overall) of the 1957 NFL Draft after earning All-ACC honors as a defensive lineman at the University of Virginia. He joined the team as a defensive tackle but occasionally saw action at defensive end and even offensive tackle during his early professional years. In his rookie season of 1957, Jordan appeared in 12 games without recording a start or sack, reflecting his limited role on a defense stacked with established talent. The following year, 1958, brought similar modest involvement: he played in another 12 games, again without starting, though he recovered one fumble. These seasons were frustrating for Jordan, as head coach favored larger linemen, resulting in sporadic playing time and a struggle to secure a consistent spot on the depth chart. Prior to the 1959 season, the Browns traded Jordan to the in exchange for a fourth-round draft pick, marking the end of his brief tenure in .

Green Bay Packers

Jordan joined the in 1959 via a trade from the and played under legendary coach from 1959 to 1969, anchoring the defensive line during the team's dynasty era. Over his 11 seasons with the Packers, he appeared in 139 games, providing relentless inside pressure as a that helped establish one of the NFL's most formidable defenses. During his tenure, the Packers achieved remarkable success, securing five NFL championships in 1961, 1962, 1965, 1966, and 1967, along with victories in (1967) and (1968). Jordan's contributions were pivotal in these triumphs, including a key hit on quarterback in that forced an interception, and an unofficial 3.5 sacks against the in the 1967 . His dominance extended to earlier title games, where he effectively neutralized opponents like the in the 1961 and 1962 NFL Championships. Individually, Jordan earned four selections (1960, 1961, 1963, 1966) and six honors during his Packers years, including first-team accolades from 1960 to 1964. He was also named the outstanding lineman—and effectively the MVP—in the 1962 , a rare distinction for a defensive lineman. Jordan's final season in 1969 was marred by injuries that limited him to just five games, prompting his retirement announcement on February 2, 1970.

Career statistics

Henry Jordan played 13 seasons in the NFL from 1957 to 1969, appearing in 163 games and starting 131 of them. As a , his career defensive statistics highlight his impact on the line, particularly in pass rushing and fumble recoveries. According to Pro Football Reference, he recorded 59.5 sacks, 21 fumble recoveries, and 1 over his career. The following table summarizes his overall career defensive statistics:
StatisticTotal
Games Played163
Games Started131
Sacks59.5
Fumble Recoveries21
Touchdowns1
Jordan's statistics varied by team, with the majority of his production occurring during his 11 seasons with the . He had minimal sack credits during his two years with the , reflecting the era's limited tracking of such stats prior to 1982. The breakdown is as follows:
TeamSeasonsSacksFumble Recoveries
1957–19580.01
1959–196959.520
Career Total1359.521
His 59.5 sacks with the Packers place him among the franchise's historical leaders when including estimated pre-1982 statistics, as compiled by Pro Football Reference.

Personal life

Family

Henry Jordan married Olive Louise Sargent on January 1, 1958, in . The couple had three children: son Henry Jordan Jr., born around 1958; daughter Theresa, born around 1960; and daughter Suzanne, born around 1963. During Jordan's professional career with the from 1959 to 1969, the family resided in , where he played. Henry Jordan Jr., often called Butch, later had a son named Henry Jordan III. Theresa married and had a son, James Henry Hagerman. Following Jordan's death in 1977, his widow Olive and the children relocated from to . Olive, who remarried and became Olive Jordan Frey, passed away on December 8, 2012, at her home in . The family maintained close ties, with the children living nearby in by the mid-1990s.

Post-retirement activities

After retiring from the following an injury-plagued 1969 season, Henry Jordan relocated to the area, where he settled into a new chapter focused on business and . He announced his retirement on February 2, 1970, to take on the role of executive director for , Milwaukee's annual music and arts festival. Jordan's appointment as executive director of that same year marked a pivotal moment for the event, which had been struggling financially in its early stages. Leveraging his fame as a Hall of Fame Green Bay Packers defensive tackle and five-time champion, he applied his business acumen to stabilize the festival's operations, placing it on solid financial footing and helping elevate it to a nationally recognized event that drew large crowds and major performers. His leadership contributed to 's growth into one of the world's largest music festivals, fostering through cultural programming that boosted Milwaukee's local economy and visibility. Beyond , Jordan thrived as a businessman in the region, using his Packers legacy to build networks and participate in civic initiatives. His post-football success was bolstered by his charismatic personality—often described as that of a "" with a sharp wit, charm, and handsome demeanor—that endeared him to colleagues and the public alike. Off the field, he was known for his quiet consideration, conservative values, and humorous one-liners that maintained high morale in professional settings.

Death and honors

Death

Henry Jordan died of a heart attack on February 21, 1977, at the age of 42, shortly after completing a workout at the Athletic Club. He collapsed in a restroom following the exercise, and despite efforts with oxygen and heart massage, he was pronounced dead at the scene. At the time, Jordan was serving as the executive director of , 's annual music festival. His sudden death prompted widespread mourning among family, friends, teammates, and the broader sports community, who remembered him for his warmth and contributions both on and off the field. Former teammates and fans expressed shock and sorrow, reflecting on his pivotal role in the team's dynasty. Funeral services were held privately, and Jordan was buried at La Belle Cemetery in .

Awards and legacy

Jordan was inducted into the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame in 1974, recognizing his achievements as a multi-sport from the state. The following year, in 1975, he was enshrined in the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame for his pivotal role on the team's defensive line during their championship era. Following his death, Jordan received several posthumous honors that underscored his enduring impact on football. He was elected to the in 1995 as a senior candidate, becoming the fifth member from the Packers' legendary defense. In 2009, he was inducted into the Sports Hall of Fame, honoring his roots as a standout from . Additionally, in 2000, Warwick High School named its athletic field "The Henry W. Jordan Field" to commemorate his excellence in football, wrestling, and track during his high school years. In 2023, Jordan's family received the Ring of Excellence on his behalf. Jordan's legacy as a is deeply tied to coach Vince Lombardi's dynasty with the , where he anchored a unit that secured five NFL championships and victories in the first two Super Bowls. His quickness and strength set a standard for the position, influencing subsequent generations of linemen who emulated his blend of power and agility. Beyond the field, Jordan inspired multi-sport athletes through his own versatility, having excelled in wrestling—where he was a national runner-up at the —and track, demonstrating the value of in building elite performance. In the community, Jordan's post-retirement role as executive sales director for Milwaukee's from 1970 onward helped transform the event into one of the world's largest music festivals, drawing millions annually through his innovative promotion and . He was widely regarded as a devoted family man and leader, qualities that amplified his influence off the field. The Henry Jordan Memorial Scholarship Fund, established in 1985 by Warwick High School, continues to award annual scholarships to graduating seniors excelling in academics and athletics, perpetuating his commitment to youth development and education.

References

  1. https://www.profootballhof.com/players/henry-jordan/
  2. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/J/JordHe00.htm
  3. https://www.packers.com/history/hof/henry-jordan
  4. https://www.nytimes.com/1977/02/22/archives/henry-jordan-dies-at-42-star-packers-tackle.html
  5. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/9410825/henry-jordan
  6. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/194638188/katherine-alma-davidson
  7. https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Jordan-15632
  8. https://vasportshof.com/inductee/henry-w-jordan/
  9. http://www.profootballresearchers.com/archives/Website_Files/Coffin_Corner/17-02-598.pdf
  10. https://www.hrsportshalloffame.com/class-of-2009/
  11. https://www.dailypress.com/2009/06/04/warwick-awards-25th-jordan-scholarship-to-senior-kwon/
  12. https://www.pcfvirginia.org/jordan.html
  13. https://www.themat.com/news/2002/august/15/seven-former-cavaliers-named-t-5436
  14. https://nwhof.org/national-wrestling-hall-of-fame/champions-database?wrestler=8396
  15. https://uvamagazine.org/articles/the_best_of_the_best
  16. https://packerspastperfect.wordpress.com/2022/01/30/henry-jordan/
  17. https://www.packers.com/news/in-lombardi-s-perfect-4-3-henry-jordan-was-key-to-it-all
  18. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/gnb/career-defense.htm
  19. https://historicimages.com/products/mjc28123
  20. https://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/picture-gallery/news/2018/08/01/where-they-lived-homes-and-apartments-1966-67-green-bay-packers/882904002/
  21. https://www.dailypress.com/1995/07/29/gentle-giant-gets-his-due/
  22. https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/dfw/name/olive-frey-obituary?id=7231418
  23. https://www.profootballresearchers.com/archives/Website_Files/Coffin_Corner/17-02-598.pdf
  24. https://emke.uwm.edu/entry/summerfest/
  25. https://onmilwaukee.com/articles/summerfest-50-1970s
  26. https://www.dailypress.com/1999/12/09/warwick-high-honors-jordan-by-naming-field/
  27. https://www.profootballhof.com/news/2023/11/families-of-bobby-dillon%2C-henry-jordan%2C-vince-lombardi-to-receive-pro-football-hall-of-fame-rings-of/
  28. https://www.packers.com/history/hof/henry-jordan/
  29. https://anotherslice.life/2023/12/04/the-everlasting-impact-of-a-legend/
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