Jack Little (American football)

Infobox NFLretired
name=Jack Little


width=
caption=
position=Offensive tackle
number=
birthdate=birthdate|1931|12|31
Corpus Christi, Texas
deathdate=
debutyear=1953
finalyear=1954
draftyear=1953
draftround=5
draftpick=50
college=Texas A&M
teams=
* Baltimore Colts (1953-1954)
stat1label=Games played
stat1value=20
stat2label=Games started
stat2value=0
stat3label=Seasons
stat3value=2
nfl=LIT474616
highlights=

Jack Harold Little (born December 31, 1931 in Corpus Christi, Texas) is a former American football player and assistant football coach. After playing college football for Texas A&M, he played two seasons for the Baltimore Colts from 1953–54. He later served as a college assistant coach before working in Texas' parole system and finally retiring.

Early years

Little was born in Corpus Christi, Texas. At the age of 12, his father died. His mother moved to Washington, D.C. some time afterwards, abandoning Little and his brother. He and his brother eventually made a living by laying carpet, until his brother received a scholarship to play football at Rice University. [Burson (2004), pp. 26–27.]

In high school, Little was a second-team All-District football player.Burson (2004), p. 27.]

Playing career

Although Little enrolled at the University of Houston as a freshman, he did not attend any classes or played football there. Intimidated by the three-a-day practices that Houston held, Little and a high school friend escaped to Texas A&M. Little tried out for the football team, only because head coach Harry Stiteler was impressed by his toughness, determination, and intelligence. [Burson (2004), pp. 24–27]

Little lettered in football at Texas A&M from 1950–52. In 1950, he was part of an A&M squad that led the Southwest Conference (SWC) in total offense, and played in the Presidential Cup. Little made two All-America first teams during his college years, one as a junior in 1951 and another as a senior in 1952. He also named an All-SWC lineman the same years. He also made the distinguished students list during his senior year for his academic performance. He was ultimately inducted into the Texas A&M Athletic Hall of Fame in 1982.

In the 1953 NFL Draft, Little was selected in the 5th round (50th overall) by the Baltimore Colts. He played two seasons for the Colts before a back injury ended his playing career.

Career after the NFL

After his brief stint in the NFL, Little became an assistant football coach for Texas A&I (now Texas A&M–Kingsville). He was subsequently offered another assistant job by Baylor University head coach John Bridgers. Little accepted the position in 1963, and helped lead the Bears to an 8–3–0 record and a No. 20 finish in the national Coaches Poll. Little served as a coaching assistant at Baylor until 1968, when Bridgers was fired. Little remained for a brief period at Baylor, working in the school's outdoor education program.

Little later became an assistant for Sam Houston State University. He quit the coaching profession after another back injury. He then worked for Texas' parole system for 17 years before retiring in 1996.Burson (2004), pp. 29]

Personal

Little married his wife Nancy in 1950, which was at the end of his freshman year. They soon had the first of their two daughters by the time he left Texas A&M. His oldest daughter eventually received a doctorate degree from the school.

Notes

References

*citation|last=Burson|first=Rusty|title=Texas A&M: Where Have You Gone?|publisher=Sports Publishing, LLC|date=2004|isbn=1582617538