Joe Perry

About

Fullback who earned the nickname "The Jet" for being exceptionally fast. He played for both the All-America Football Conference and the National Football League. From 1948 to 1960, he played for the San Francisco 49ers. He spent 1961 to 1962, he played for the Baltimore Colts. He then returned to the 49ers for a year before retiring. 

Before Fame

He applied to UCLA, in part because Jackie Robinson had attended, but he was rejected. He attended Compton Junior College, where he became a star player. UCLA tried to recruit him, but he turned them down and went on to enlist in the U.S. Navy. 

Trivia

He was the first Black American to be named NFL Most Valuable Player. He is widely considered to be the first major Black American football star. The 49ers retired his jersey number, 34, in 1971. 

Family Life

He was born in Stephens, Arkansas. His family relocated to Los Angeles, California during the Great Depression. 

Associated With

Jackie Robinson was one of his sports heroes.