Jim Parker

From BpWiki

Born April 3,1934 Died July 18, 2005

James Thomas Parker was born and raised in Macon , Georgia. His family was so poor that Jim didn't think he would be able to get a college education. He decided to join the military and to that end he moved to Toledo, Ohio to live with an aunt. The story is told that Jim wandered the halls of Scott high school where he was set upon by a teacher who wouldn't believe that Jim wasn't a student until a trip was made to the principal's office.

Once enrolled Jim was "discovered" by the football coach, Artie Brighton.

At the end of that year he was discovered once again by Woody Hayes. Jim Parker was Ohio State’s first Outland Trophy winner as the nation’s top interior lineman. “Jim Parker was the greatest offensive lineman I ever coached. I’m not sure there has ever been a better offensive guard,” said Hayes upon Parker’s induction into the Ohio State Athletics Hall of Fame. “He was everything an offensive lineman should be.” Indeed, Parker could do it all. A tremendous athlete, the 6-2, 200-pounder could pull and run block with the best of them. And on the relatively few occasions when the Buckeyes decided to throw the ball, getting around the agile, quick-footed Parker was next to impossible. Parker was a three-year starter and two-time All-American for the Buckeyes. He won the Outland Trophy as a senior in 1956. During his three years as a starter, Ohio State won 23 of 28 games, captured the 1954 National Championship and won back-to-back Big Ten titles in 1954 and ’55. Parker was the Buckeyes’ MVP in 1956.

His play set a standard of excellence for all future Ohio State linemen.

PRO STUFF Class of 1973 Guard-Tackle >>> 6-3, 273 (Ohio State) 1957-1967 Baltimore Colts

James Thomas Parker. . .First full-time offensive lineman named to Pro Football Hall of Fame. . .Exceptional blocker, specialized in protecting quarterback. . .All-NFL eight straight years, 1958-1965. . . Played half of 11-year career at tackle, half at guard. . . Played in eight Pro Bowl games. . . No. 1 draft choice in 1957. . . Two-time All-America, Outland Trophy winner at Ohio State. . .

From the moment Jim Parker joined the 1957 Baltimore Colts as their first-round draft pick, he was considered a cinch for pro football stardom. Although his college coach thought his best shot in the pros would be on defense, Colts' coach Weeb Ewbank tabbed Jim as an offensive lineman. The Colts at the time were just evolving as an National Football League power and the premier passer in the game, Johnny Unitas, was the guy who made the Baltimore attack click. Parker had little experience in pass blocking, but Ewbank was sure Parker could do the job. "It didn't take me long to learn the one big rule," Parker remembered. "’Just keep them away from John,’ Coach Ewbank told me at my first practice. ‘You can be the most unpopular man on the team if the quarterback gets hurt.' I couldn't forget that!" And Parker didn't forget.

Links http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/2005-07-19-parker-death_x.htm

http://www.collegefootball.org/famersearch.php?id=50035

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/entertainment/bal-parker-board,0,7102261.graffitiboard?coll=orl-caltop

http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/football/bal-parker-gallery,0,7664630.storygallery?coll=bal-utility-football