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Johnny Sample
Johnny Sample
Johnny Sample
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John B. Sample Jr. (June 15, 1936 – April 26, 2005) was an American professional football defensive back who played in the National Football League (NFL) for the Baltimore Colts (1958–1960), Pittsburgh Steelers (1961–1962), and Washington Redskins (1963–1965), and in the American Football League (AFL) for the New York Jets (1966–1968), winning three league championships.

Key Information

Sample had the distinction of beginning and ending his career with championship wins in two of the most famous games in professional football history, and winning an NFL championship, an AFL championship, and a world championship.

In his rookie season, he won an NFL championship ring with the Colts in their victory over the New York Giants in the 1958 NFL Championship Game, which became known as "The Greatest Game Ever Played".

In his final season, he helped the Jets win the AFL Championship against the Oakland Raiders, and then to defeat the Colts in the third AFL-NFL World Championship (Super Bowl III) in January 1969, recording an interception in the Jets' 16–7 win. He is the only professional football player to have won all three: an NFL, AFL, and Super Bowl championship.

In between, Sample won another championship in the 1959 NFL Championship Game, scoring a touchdown on a 42-yard interception return in the Colts' 31–16 victory over the Giants.

Early life

[edit]

Sample grew up in Cape Charles, Virginia, the son of John B. Sample, a barber, and Evlyn Sample, a stenographer.[1] He went to Northampton County High School.[2] He attended Maryland State College, now the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, where he was a four-sport athlete in football, baseball, basketball and gymnastics. In football, he was named a Little All-American and in three seasons led the Hawks to a record of 28–1–1 and two Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) championships. In three years as a halfback and kicker, he totaled 2,381 rushing yards, 37 touchdowns, 42 conversions, and four field goals. He graduated in 1958 with a degree in physical education.[3]

Sample in 1958 was said to be the first player from a historically black university to participate in the College All-Star Game, an annual exhibition held between professional rookies and the reigning NFL champion.[4]

Professional career

[edit]

Sample finished his 11 professional football seasons with 41 interceptions, which he returned for 460 yards and four touchdowns. He also recovered 13 fumbles, returning them for 61 yards. On special teams, he returned 68 punts for 559 yards and a touchdown, along with 60 kickoffs for 1,560 yards and a touchdown. His most outstanding year was 1961 for the Steelers, when he intercepted a career-high eight passes for 141 return yards and one touchdown and led the NFL in punt return yards.[5]

After football

[edit]

After his playing career ended, in 1970 Sample released a very outspoken autobiography, Confessions of a Dirty Ballplayer.[6]

He later became known in tennis—he was the No. 1-ranked men's player by the United States Tennis Association (USTA) in the age 45 and over category for several years.[7] During the 1980s and 1990s, he became a tennis official, a linesman, and even a chair umpire at bigger and bigger men's and women's events including the U.S. Open, Wimbledon, the French Open, and the Australian Open.[8]

In 1977, he was inducted into the University of Maryland Eastern Shore Hawk Hall of Fame.

He also hosted a talk-radio show in Philadelphia. Sample died April 26, 2005, at Misericordia Hospital in Philadelphia. He was survived by a son and two daughters. He was preceded in death by one son.[4]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Johnny Sample

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
John B. Sample Jr. (June 15, 1936 – April 26, 2005), known professionally as Johnny Sample, was an who played professionally for 11 seasons in the (NFL) and (AFL) from 1958 to 1968. Standing at 6 feet 1 inch and weighing 203 pounds, Sample was selected in the seventh round of the by the after a standout college career at (now ), where he excelled as a multi-positional on offense and defense. Sample's professional career spanned four teams, beginning with the Colts (1958–1960), followed by the (1961–1962), Washington Redskins (1963–1965), and (1966–1968), during which he primarily played as a and while also contributing on special teams with punt and kick returns. Over 125 games, he recorded 41 interceptions for 460 return yards and four touchdowns, along with one punt return and one kickoff return for scores, earning All-Pro honors five times, including one first-team selection in 1961. His most notable achievements came in championship contests: as a rookie with the Colts, he appeared in the overtime victory over the ; he started and intercepted two passes in the 1959 NFL Championship win against the Giants; and with the Jets, he intercepted a pass from in , contributing to the historic 16–7 upset over the Colts that affirmed the AFL's legitimacy before the leagues' merger. Sample is uniquely recognized as the only professional football player to win four league championships across eras: the 1958 and 1959 titles with , the 1968 AFL Championship with New York, and . Known for his aggressive style and early adoption of psychological tactics like trash-talking to disrupt opponents, Sample later authored the 1970 book Confessions of a Dirty Ballplayer, offering candid insights into the era's rough play and behind-the-scenes dynamics. After retiring, he worked as a radio talk-show host in , where he had spent much of his life after being born in . Sample died of heart disease in at age 68.

Early Life and Education

Childhood and Family Background

John B. Sample Jr., known as Johnny Sample, was born on June 15, 1936, in , to John B. Sample Sr., a , and Evelyn Sample. As the son of a working-class family deeply rooted in the local barbershop business—owned by his grandfather Lloyd Sample—young Johnny grew up in a close-knit community on Virginia's Eastern Shore, where his father and brother Paul B. Sample also worked as . The family's entrepreneurial spirit and emphasis on self-reliance shaped his early years, amid the challenges of segregation in a small town with strong ties to free Black heritage dating back to the Civil War era through ancestors like his great-grandfather Littleton Thomas Sample, a Union bugler. Sample's childhood in Cape Charles fostered a resilient personality, earning him the nickname "Happy" among locals for his upbeat demeanor despite the era's racial barriers. His family placed a high value on and athletics as pathways to opportunity, making him a first-generation prospect in a household where such ambitions were rare. This background instilled discipline and determination, qualities that propelled him toward greater horizons beyond the Eastern Shore. By his high school years, Sample had relocated to , where he attended Overbrook High School and first showcased his multi-sport talent in football, , and track. There, he competed alongside future basketball legend , honing skills that laid the groundwork for his athletic pursuits without the advantages of integrated facilities back home. This period marked the transition from his roots to broader opportunities, culminating in his enrollment at Maryland State College.

College Athletic Career

Johnny Sample attended Maryland State College (now the ) from 1954 to 1958, where he majored in . As a standout , he excelled as both an offensive halfback and defensive contributor, leading the Hawks to a remarkable 28–1–1 record over his tenure. Under his leadership, the team secured two (CIAA) championships in his sophomore and senior seasons, earning him All-American honors in 1954, 1955, and 1957, as well as the unanimous CIAA award from the Pigskin Club of Washington in 1955. Sample's athletic versatility extended beyond football, marking him as a multi-sport star at the historically black institution. He was an second baseman on the team, contributing to CIAA titles in each of his four seasons from 1955 to 1958. In , he played as a key contributor, while in , he demonstrated exceptional skill in events such as the crucifix on rings, , and exercises. These accomplishments underscored his prowess across disciplines, positioning him as a trailblazer for athletes from HBCUs. In 1958, Sample became the first player from a historically black college to participate in the prestigious College All-Star Game in , facing off against the champion . He graduated that same year with his degree in physical education and was selected by the in the seventh round (79th overall) of the , capping a distinguished collegiate career.

Professional Football Career

Baltimore Colts Era

Johnny Sample was selected by the in the seventh round, 79th overall, of the out of Maryland Eastern Shore, marking his entry into professional football as a . Following his participation in the 1958 College All-Star Game, where he became the first player from a historically to compete, Sample joined a Colts team led by quarterback during a transformative era for the franchise. In his rookie season, he appeared in 12 games, adapting to the professional level with one fumble recovery while recording no interceptions, gradually building his role in the secondary. Sample's early contributions proved pivotal in the postseason, as he played in the , helping the Colts secure a 23-17 victory over the in what is often called the "Greatest Game Ever Played." The Colts' defense, including Sample in a supporting role, limited the Giants to just three points in the second half and , preserving the win that captured Baltimore's first title. The following year, in , Sample appeared in all 12 regular-season games, intercepting one pass for 10 yards and recovering three fumbles, further solidifying his presence on the team. He again featured prominently in the playoffs, recording two for 66 yards, including a crucial 42-yard return for a in the Championship Game against the Giants, contributing to a 31-16 victory and the Colts' second consecutive title. Over his three seasons with the Colts from 1958 to 1960, Sample played in 35 games, accumulating five interceptions for 37 yards and seven fumble recoveries, while earning Second-Team honors in 1960 as he emerged as a key member of the secondary during Unitas's ascent to stardom.

Pittsburgh Steelers and Washington Redskins

Following his departure from the after the 1960 season, Johnny Sample was traded to the prior to the 1961 campaign. In his first year with Pittsburgh, Sample emerged as a standout performer on defense and special teams, starting 13 of 14 games while recording a league-high 283 punt return yards on 26 returns, including one , and tying for second in the with eight interceptions returned for 141 yards and another score. His defensive prowess earned him first-team honors from outlets including the and . Sample's 1962 season with the Steelers was curtailed by , limiting him to six games with five starts, no interceptions, and minimal special teams contributions of four punt returns for just one yard. Despite the abbreviated year, he received second-team recognition from the Newspaper Enterprise Association. The Steelers, mired in a 2-12 record amid broader team instability, placed Sample on the reserve list late in the season before trading him to the Washington Redskins for a draft choice ahead of 1963. Joining a squad that struggled with consistent winning records—finishing 5-7-2 in 1963, 6-8 in 1964, and 6-8 in 1965—Sample quickly became a defensive mainstay, evolving into a reliable with growing involvement in special teams early on. He appeared in only two games in 1963, missing most of the season due to a leg injury, but notched one . By 1964, he started 13 of 14 games, securing four for 31 yards including a return that provided crucial scoring in a middling defense. Sample capped his Washington tenure in 1965 with a team-leading six over 13 starts and 57 return yards, earning second-team honors from the while anchoring the secondary through the team's ongoing challenges. Over his three seasons with the , he totaled 11 , underscoring his mid-career reliability despite the franchise's lack of playoff contention.

New York Jets and Super Bowl III

After the 1965 season, Sample, who contended he had been blackballed by teams due to his outspoken nature, signed with the League's , bringing his veteran experience from the to help bolster the team's secondary. In his first year with the Jets, he recorded six interceptions during the regular season, earning second-team All-AFL honors for his contributions to the defense. The following season in 1967, Sample intercepted four passes, one of which he returned for a , showcasing his playmaking ability in the AFL. Sample's performance peaked in 1968, when he led the Jets with seven interceptions, again securing second-team All-AFL recognition as the team advanced to the . In the AFL Championship Game against the on December 29, 1968, the Jets' defense, including Sample starting at , forced four turnovers in a thrilling 27-23 that clinched the league title. This win propelled the Jets to against his former team, the heavily favored . On January 12, 1969, at the in , Sample started at for the Jets in and made a crucial of a pass from Colts in the first half, picking it off at the Jets' 2-yard line to thwart a scoring drive and preserve New York's lead. His defensive efforts were instrumental in the Jets' 16-7 upset victory, a landmark game that validated the AFL and helped lead to the leagues' merger. Sample retired from professional football following the 1968 season, concluding a career that included 41 interceptions and six touchdowns scored on defense and special teams.

Post-Retirement Activities

Writing and Broadcasting

After retiring from professional football, Johnny Sample transitioned into writing, publishing his Confessions of a Dirty Ballplayer in 1970 through Dial Press, co-authored with Fred J. Hamilton and Sonny Schwartz. The book candidly recounts his on-field tactics, including instances of physical intimidation and confrontations such as head-butting College All-Stars coach during the 1958 Chicago College All-Star Game, while emphasizing that such actions were often retaliatory. It also delves into personal anecdotes from his career across teams like the , , Washington Redskins, and , offering forthright critiques of coaches like and , as well as Commissioner . Sample's writing extended to broader , particularly on racial issues in football, drawing from his experiences as a rising from a segregated community in , to prominence at Maryland State College. He highlighted the inequities faced by players, including discriminatory treatment and the psychological toll of , stating in the book that "the agony and embarrassment that I've seen black people suffer put a burning hate in my heart." This work positioned Sample within the era's growing discourse on civil rights in sports, aligning with publications like those referenced in analyses of the "Revolt of the Black Athlete." In broadcasting, Sample hosted a telephone talk show on WHAT Radio (1340 AM) in Philadelphia from 1988 to 2004, where he delivered passionate and outspoken commentary on sports topics. He also covered Philadelphia Eagles pre-game shows on WYSP Radio until 2003, leveraging his expertise and bold personality—honed during his playing days as a vocal —to engage listeners on team strategies, player performances, and league matters. Through these platforms, Sample advocated for improved player treatment and addressed league inequalities, often tying discussions to his firsthand encounters with racial barriers and unfair practices in the . Sample's media career bridged the 1970s to the 1990s, evolving from literary reflections on his athletic past to a prominent voice in Philadelphia's scene, where he used airtime to champion civil rights causes and initiatives rooted in his football experiences.

Tennis and Officiating

After retiring from professional football following the season, Johnny Sample turned to as a way to maintain his athletic prowess, leveraging his degree from State College (now the ) to enhance his versatility across sports. He quickly excelled as an amateur player, achieving the No. 1 ranking in the men's 45-and-over category of the (USTA) for several years during the 1980s and 1990s. Sample competed in various senior tournaments, showcasing his skill and dedication to the sport well into his later years. Sample's athletic background from football proved invaluable in his role as a tennis official, where he served as a linesman and chair umpire at major international events. During the and 1990s, he officiated matches at all four Grand Slam tournaments, including the U.S. Open, Wimbledon, the , and the Australian Open, applying his keen eye for precision and physical conditioning to line judging and match supervision. His contributions helped ensure fair play at these high-stakes competitions. Tennis became a cornerstone for Sample's post-retirement fitness regimen, allowing him to stay active and share practical insights on the game through community efforts. He conducted clinics for young players in Philadelphia's , emphasizing technique and conditioning drawn from his multi-sport experience. In the Cobbs Creek area of , where he resided, Sample actively mentored youth, fostering their interest in and promoting positive community engagement through sports programs.

Legacy and Personal Life

Championships and Honors

Johnny Sample is the only professional football player in history to win championships in both the () and (AFL), as well as a . He achieved this distinction by contributing to the ' NFL championships in 1958 and 1959, the ' AFL championship in 1968, and their subsequent victory in following the 1968 season. Throughout his career, Sample earned multiple All-Pro honors, reflecting his defensive prowess as a . He received first-team All-Pro recognition in 1961 from the and (UPI), along with second-team selections in 1960 (, and UPI), 1965 (), 1966 (All-AFL, ), and 1968 (All-AFL, and UPI). In 1977, Sample was inducted into the (UMES) Hawk Hall of Fame, honoring his standout college career at the historically Black institution. In 2012, he was inducted into the Black College Football Hall of Fame. His professional statistics underscore his impact, with 41 interceptions for 460 yards and 4 touchdowns, plus 14 fumble recoveries for 66 yards over 125 games. Sample's achievements extended beyond statistics, marking him as a trailblazer for athletes in . As the first player from a historically college and university (HBCU) selected for the in 1958, he broke barriers for athletes from institutions like UMES, paving the way for greater integration and opportunities in the .

Death and Family

After retiring from professional football, Johnny Sample became a longtime resident of , , where he maintained a relatively private life focused on family and limited sports-related pursuits. Sample's family reflected his deep ties to the Philadelphia sports scene, including his high school days at Overbrook High School alongside future basketball legend , which underscored a broader athletic legacy in the city. He was survived by one son and two daughters, though he had been preceded in death by another son. Sample died on April 26, 2005, at the age of 68 in a hospital from heart disease.

References

  1. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/SampJo20.htm
  2. https://blackcollegenines.com/johnny-sample-maryland-state-outspoken-star-of-the-1960s/
  3. https://www.nytimes.com/2005/04/28/sports/football/johnny-sample-defensive-back-dies-at-67.html
  4. https://www.patriots.com/news/johnny-sample-super-bowl-star-dead-at-67-167016
  5. https://www.profootballhof.com/news/2019/08/opinion-top-100-nfl-players-from-hbcu-programs/
  6. https://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/22/sports/football/22sample.html
  7. https://enduringconnections.salisbury.edu/story/genealogy-journey-johnny-sample
  8. https://capecharleswave.com/2013/03/letter-group-seeks-to-preserve-cape-charles-colored-school/
  9. https://www.phillytrib.com/commentary/darylbell/daryl-bell-time-to-put-johnny-sample-in-the-hall-of-fame/article_0ccd2091-74f7-50f5-9338-a008ac17686d.html
  10. https://umeshawksports.com/news/2005/4/28/UMES_COMMUNITY_SADDENED_BY_LOSS_OF_HALL_OF_FAMER_AND_FOOTBALL_GREAT_JOHNNY_SAMPLE
  11. https://kids.kiddle.co/Johnny_Sample
  12. https://umeshawksports.com/news/2011/10/21/JOHNNY_SAMPLE_ELECTED_TO_THE_BLACK_COLLEGE_FOOTBALL_HALL_OF_FAME
  13. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/195912270clt.htm
  14. https://www.newspapers.com/article/new-pittsburgh-courier-steelers-acquire/27247122/
  15. https://steelersdepot.com/2019/06/perspective-of-an-average-steelers-fan-confessions-of-a-dirty-ballplayer/
  16. https://www.virginiachronicle.com/?a=d&d=NVS19630926.1.9
  17. https://www.newyorkjets.com/team/stats/1967/reg
  18. http://www.profootballarchives.com/playoffteams/1968aflnyj.html
  19. https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/a/johnny-sample/confessions-of-a-dirty-ballplayer/
  20. https://www.nytimes.com/1970/10/04/archives/angry-sample-spells-out-differences-in-book-he-charges-pro-football.html
  21. https://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/23/sports/football/seahawks-richard-sherman-like-cornerbacks-before-him-plays-man-to-man-and-goes-toe-to-toe.html
  22. https://www.jstor.org/stable/43611614
  23. https://www.broadcastpioneers.com/bp/johnnysample.html
  24. https://bleacherreport.com/articles/195603-johnny-sample-a-dirty-football-player-a-stand-up-brother
  25. https://muralarts.org/artworks/johnny-sample-memorial-mural/
  26. https://www.phillytrib.com/sports/cobbs-creek-mural-illustrates-talent-of-johnny-sample/article_27865b2d-2ba4-5b1c-a21b-78d99c80c8bf.html
  27. https://phila.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&ID=7991559&GUID=E45B0A82-B28C-4EBB-901F-03390C53F9B5
  28. https://www.phillytrib.com/sports/fifty-shades-of-maroon-and-gray-johnny-sample/article_770e91b4-8561-5c8f-897b-7cac57d131cd.html
  29. https://umeshawksports.com/news/2013/11/4/fifty_shades_of_maroon_and_grey_johnny_sample.aspx
  30. https://www.blackcollegefootballhof.org/players
  31. https://rickgosselin.com/state-your-case-johnny-sample/
  32. https://lasentinel.net/remembering-nfl-pioneer-johnny-sample.html
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