John Simms Kelly

John Simms "Shipwreck" Kelly (1910-1986) was an American football star, owner and banker, most prominent in New York City in the 1930's and '40's. He gained his nickname from a 1920's flag pole sitter which he once emulated in a daring stunt.

Kelly was born to a prominent dairy farming family in central Kentucky. A talented athlete with a charismatic personality, Kelly was an All-American in track and football at the University of Kentucky in 1931 and '32. Drafted by the New York Giants of the NFL, he played one season at running back, leading the league in rushing. The following year he moved to the Brooklyn Dodgers along with All American Army running back and fellow Giants teammate Chris Cagle. He led the league in pass receiving over the next few years.

He was a big, handsome swaggering star with a barrel chest and bowling-pin legs and was often compared to Babe Ruth. He had a charming outsized personality that was unfazed by New York society. He was frequently in attendance at "21" and El Morocco. At age 23 he bought the Brooklyn Dodgers with a partner, Dan Topping.

In 1938 he married wealthy debutante Brenda Frazier. The marriage lasted ten years and they had one child.

During World War II, Kelly was recruited by the FBI to travel to Cuba, Mexico, Peru, Chile and Argentina to track the activities of wealthy German expatriates helping the Nazi cause.

After the war, Kelly pursued a career as an investment banker and became a champion amateur golfer. He died of a stroke at age 76 and is buried in his home town of Simmstown, Kentucky.