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{{Short description|American football player (1937–2005)}}
{{Infobox NFL biography
{{Infobox NFL biography
|name=Johnny Sample
|name=Johnny Sample
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|number=47, 44, 24
|number=47, 44, 24
|position=[[Defensive back]]
|position=[[Defensive back]]
|birth_date={{birth date|1937|6|15}}
|birth_date={{Birth date|1936|6|15}}
|birth_place=[[Cape Charles, Virginia]]
|birth_place=[[Cape Charles, Virginia]], U.S.
|death_date={{death date and age|2005|04|26|1937|06|15}}
|death_date={{Death date and age|2005|04|26|1936|06|15}}
|death_place=[[Philadelphia, Pennsylvania]]
|death_place=[[Philadelphia|Philadelphia, Pennsylvania]], U.S.
|height_ft=6
|height_ft=6
|height_in=1
|height_in=1
|weight_lbs=203
|weight_lbs=203
|high_school=[[Overbrook High School (Philadelphia)|Philadelphia (PA) Overbrook]]
|high_school=[[Overbrook High School (Philadelphia)|Overbrook]]<br>([[Philadelphia|Philadelphia, Pennsylvania]])
|college=[[Maryland Eastern Shore Hawks football|Maryland Eastern Shore]]
|college=[[Maryland Eastern Shore Hawks football|Maryland State]]
|draftyear=1958
|draftyear=1958
|draftround=7
|draftround=7
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* 2× [[NFL champion]] ([[1958 NFL Championship Game|1958]], [[1959 NFL Championship Game|1959]])
* 2× [[NFL champion]] ([[1958 NFL Championship Game|1958]], [[1959 NFL Championship Game|1959]])
* [[AFL champion]] ([[1968 AFL Championship Game|1968]])
* [[AFL champion]] ([[1968 AFL Championship Game|1968]])
* 5× Second-team All-Pro Selection (1960, 1961, 1965, 1966, 1968)
* 5× Second-team All-Pro (1960, 1961, 1965, 1966, 1968)
* [[UPI]] First-team [[All-Pro]] (1961)
* [[UPI]] First-team [[All-Pro]] (1961)
|statlabel1=Games played
|statlabel1=Games played
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|pfr=S/SampJo20
|pfr=S/SampJo20
}}
}}
'''John B. Sample Jr.''' (June 15, 1937 – April 26, 2005) was an [[American football]] [[defensive back]] who played in the [[National Football League]] (NFL) for the [[History of the Indianapolis Colts|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.
'''John B. Sample Jr.''' (June 15, 1936 – April 26, 2005) was an [[American football]] [[defensive back]] who played in the [[National Football League]] (NFL) for the [[History of the Indianapolis Colts|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.


Sample had the distinction of beginning and ending his career with championship wins in two of the most famous games in [[Professional Football|professional football]] history, and winning an NFL championship, an [[American Football League|AFL]] championship, and a [[Professional American football championship games|world championship]].
Sample had the distinction of beginning and ending his career with championship wins in two of the most famous games in [[Professional Football|professional football]] history, and winning an NFL championship, an [[American Football League|AFL]] championship, and a [[Professional American football championship games|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 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 [[Professional American football championship games|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 his final season, he helped the Jets win the AFL Championship against the [[Oakland Raiders]], and then to defeat the Colts in the third [[Professional American football championship games|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 [[1959 Baltimore Colts season|Colts]]' 31-16 victory over the Giants.
In between, Sample won another championship in the [[1959 NFL Championship Game]], scoring a touchdown on a 42-yard interception return in the [[1959 Baltimore Colts season|Colts]]' 31–16 victory over the Giants.


==Early life==
==Early life==
Sample grew up in [[Cape Charles, Virginia]], the son of John B. Sample, a barber, and Evlyn Sample, a stenographer.<ref>[https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1971-27752-4117-36 ]{{dead link|date=July 2018}}</ref> He went to Northampton County High School.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/22/sports/football/22sample.html?pagewanted=all|title=Jets’ Johnny Sample: A Forefather of Trash Talk|first=Jeré|last=Longman|publisher=|accessdate=12 July 2018}}</ref> 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 league 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.<ref>[http://www.umes.edu/football/selectedprohawks/selected/johnsample.pdf ]{{dead link|date=July 2018}}</ref>
Sample grew up in [[Cape Charles, Virginia]], the son of John B. Sample, a barber, and Evlyn Sample, a stenographer.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1971-27752-4117-36 |title=United States Census, 1940; pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1971-27752-4117-36 — FamilySearch.org |website=[[FamilySearch]] |access-date=2014-11-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160308180942/https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1971-27752-4117-36 |archive-date=2016-03-08 |url-status=dead }}</ref> He went to Northampton County High School.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/22/sports/football/22sample.html?pagewanted=all|title=Jets' Johnny Sample: A Forefather of Trash Talk|first=Jeré|last=Longman|access-date=12 July 2018}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.umes.edu/football/selectedprohawks/selected/johnsample.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=2014-11-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150122045853/http://www.umes.edu/football/selectedprohawks/selected/johnsample.pdf |archive-date=2015-01-22 |url-status=dead }}</ref>


Sample in 1958 was said to be the first player from a historically black university to participate in the [[Chicago College All-Star Game|College All-Star Game]], an annual exhibition held between professional rookies and the reigning NFL champion.<ref name="auto">{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/22/sports/football/22sample.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0|title=Jets’ Johnny Sample: A Forefather of Trash Talk|first=Jeré|last=Longman|publisher=|accessdate=12 July 2018}}</ref>
Sample in 1958 was said to be the first player from a historically black university to participate in the [[Chicago College All-Star Game|College All-Star Game]], an annual exhibition held between professional rookies and the reigning NFL champion.<ref name="auto">{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/22/sports/football/22sample.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0|title=Jets' Johnny Sample: A Forefather of Trash Talk|first=Jeré|last=Longman|access-date=12 July 2018}}</ref>


==Professional career==
==Professional career==
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.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/SampJo20.htm|title=Johnny Sample Stats - Pro-Football-Reference.com|website=Pro-Football-Reference.com|accessdate=12 July 2018}}</ref>
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.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/SampJo20.htm|title=Johnny Sample Stats - Pro-Football-Reference.com|website=Pro-Football-Reference.com|access-date=12 July 2018}}</ref>


==After football==
==After football==
After his playing career ended, in 1970 Sample released a very outspoken autobiography, ''Confessions of a Dirty Ballplayer''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lasentinel.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=4218:remembering-nfl-pioneer-johnny-sample&catid=106&Itemid=196|title=Remembering NFL Pioneer Johnny Sample - Los Angeles Sentinel|date=13 May 2010|publisher=|accessdate=12 July 2018}}</ref>
After his playing career ended, in 1970 Sample released a very outspoken autobiography, ''Confessions of a Dirty Ballplayer''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lasentinel.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=4218:remembering-nfl-pioneer-johnny-sample&catid=106&Itemid=196|title=Remembering NFL Pioneer Johnny Sample - Los Angeles Sentinel|date=13 May 2010|access-date=12 July 2018}}</ref>


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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/195603-johnny-sample-a-dirty-football-player-a-stand-up-brother|title=Johnny Sample: A Dirty Football Player & a Stand-Up Brother|first=Harold|last=Bell|publisher=|accessdate=12 July 2018}}</ref>
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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/195603-johnny-sample-a-dirty-football-player-a-stand-up-brother|title=Johnny Sample: A Dirty Football Player & a Stand-Up Brother|first=Harold|last=Bell|website=[[Bleacher Report]] |access-date=12 July 2018}}</ref>
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 [[US Open (tennis)|U.S. Open]], [[The Championships, Wimbledon|Wimbledon]], the [[French Open]], and the [[Australian Open]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://articles.philly.com/1986-03-11/sports/26083920_1_umpires-rich-kaufmann-basketball-program|title=Archives - Philly.com|website=articles.philly.com|accessdate=12 July 2018}}</ref>
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 [[US Open (tennis)|U.S. Open]], [[The Championships, Wimbledon|Wimbledon]], the [[French Open]], and the [[Australian Open]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://articles.philly.com/1986-03-11/sports/26083920_1_umpires-rich-kaufmann-basketball-program|title=Archives - Philly.com|website=articles.philly.com|access-date=12 July 2018}}</ref>


In 1977, he was inducted into the University of Maryland Eastern Shore Hawk Hall of Fame.
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, Pennsylvania|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.<ref name="auto"/>
He also hosted a talk-radio show in [[Philadelphia, Pennsylvania|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.<ref name="auto"/>


==See also==
==See also==
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{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}


{{Baltimore Colts 1958 draft navbox}}
{{1958 Baltimore Colts}}
{{1958 Baltimore Colts}}
{{1959 Baltimore Colts}}
{{1959 Baltimore Colts}}
{{Super Bowl III}}
{{Super Bowl III}}
{{NFL punt return yards leaders}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Sample, Johnny}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Sample, Johnny}}
[[Category:1937 births]]
[[Category:1936 births]]
[[Category:2005 deaths]]
[[Category:2005 deaths]]
[[Category:American football defensive backs]]
[[Category:American football defensive backs]]
⚫
[[Category:American Football League players]]
[[Category:Baltimore Colts players]]
[[Category:Baltimore Colts players]]
⚫
[[Category:Maryland Eastern Shore Hawks football players]]
⚫
[[Category:New York Jets players]]
[[Category:Pittsburgh Steelers players]]
[[Category:Pittsburgh Steelers players]]
[[Category:Washington Redskins players]]
[[Category:Washington Redskins players]]
⚫
[[Category:New York Jets players]]
[[Category:American Football League champions]]
⚫
[[Category:Maryland Eastern Shore Hawks football players]]
[[Category:African-American players of American football]]
[[Category:Tennis people from Virginia]]
[[Category:People from Northampton County, Virginia]]
[[Category:People from Northampton County, Virginia]]
[[Category:Players of American football from Virginia]]
[[Category:Players of American football from Virginia]]
[[Category:Super Bowl champions]]
[[Category:Tennis umpires]]
⚫
[[Category:American Football League players]]

Revision as of 17:17, 16 March 2024

Johnny Sample
No. 47, 44, 24
Position:Defensive back
Personal information
Born:(1936-06-15)June 15, 1936
Cape Charles, Virginia, U.S.
Died:April 26, 2005(2005-04-26) (aged 68)
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Height:6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)
Weight:203 lb (92 kg)
Career information
High school:Overbrook
(Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
College:Maryland State
NFL draft:1958 / Round: 7 / Pick: 79
Career history
Career highlights and awards
Career NFL statistics
Games played:125
Interceptions:41
Total touchdowns:6
Player stats at PFR

John B. Sample Jr. (June 15, 1936 – April 26, 2005) was an American 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.

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

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

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

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

References

  1. ^ "United States Census, 1940; pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1971-27752-4117-36 — FamilySearch.org". FamilySearch. Archived from the original on 2016-03-08. Retrieved 2014-11-13.
  2. ^ Longman, Jeré. "Jets' Johnny Sample: A Forefather of Trash Talk". Retrieved 12 July 2018.
  3. ^ "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2015-01-22. Retrieved 2014-11-13.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  4. ^ a b Longman, Jeré. "Jets' Johnny Sample: A Forefather of Trash Talk". Retrieved 12 July 2018.
  5. ^ "Johnny Sample Stats - Pro-Football-Reference.com". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved 12 July 2018.
  6. ^ "Remembering NFL Pioneer Johnny Sample - Los Angeles Sentinel". 13 May 2010. Retrieved 12 July 2018.
  7. ^ Bell, Harold. "Johnny Sample: A Dirty Football Player & a Stand-Up Brother". Bleacher Report. Retrieved 12 July 2018.
  8. ^ "Archives - Philly.com". articles.philly.com. Retrieved 12 July 2018.
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