John Sykes (American football)

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John Sykes
No. 46
Position:Running back
Personal information
Born:(1949-05-13)May 13, 1949
Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
Died:July 8, 2019(2019-07-08) (aged 70)
Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
Height:5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)
Weight:195 lb (88 kg)
Career information
High school:Baltimore City College
College:Morgan State
NFL draft:1972: 7th round, 169th pick
Career history
 * Offseason and/or practice squad member only
Stats at Pro Football Reference

John Sykes (May 13, 1949 – July 8, 2019) was an American professional football running back. Sykes played college football at Morgan State University, where he broke several rushing records previously held by Pro Football Hall of Famer Leroy Kelly.[1][2][3][4][5] In his senior year and Morgan State he rushed for 1,007 yards on 193 carries.[2] That year he was named an honorable mention to the Little All-America college football team and named to the all-MEAC team.[6]

Sykes was selected by the Baltimore Colts in the seventh round of the 1972 NFL draft.[7] After being cut by the Colts before the regular season started he was signed by the St. Louis Cardinals in September.[8][9] After not playing in any games for the Cardinals he was cut and then signed by the San Diego Chargers in November 1972 and placed on their taxi squad.[10] After being activated by the Chargers he played in 2 games for the Chargers, returning two kickoffs for 44 yards.[7] He returned one kickoff for 24 yards against the Denver Broncos on December 10, 1972, and he returned one kickoff for 20 yards against the Pittsburgh Steelers on December 17.[11] He was cut by the Chargers during training camp in 1973 and resigned by the Colts, but the Colts also waived him before the season started.[12][13] In 1974 he played semi-pro football for the Hanover Rhinos.[14] In 1975 he played for the Charlotte Hornets of the World Football League (WFL) but his season was cut short by torn knee ligaments and the league folded during the season.[15][16]

After leaving professional football, Sykes became a physical education teacher at his alma mater of Baltimore City College and later at Highlandtown Middle School.[17] Sykes died in 2019 of an apparent stroke at the age of 70.[4]

References

  1. ^ Harris, Larry (July 22, 1972). "John Sykes seeking to rub out stigma". Evening Sun. p. 9. Retrieved August 29, 2022 – via newspapers.com.
  2. ^ a b Free, Bill (October 6, 1972). "Sykes eyes club where "race not a question"". Baltimore Sun. pp. C1, C3. Retrieved August 29, 2022 – via newspapers.com.
  3. ^ "Colts place hopes on aging Unitas". Daily Capital News. August 9, 1972. p. 9. Retrieved August 29, 2022 – via newspapers.com.
  4. ^ a b Klingaman, Mike (July 12, 2019). "Former City, Morgan State star". Baltimore Sun. p. D2. Retrieved August 29, 2022 – via newspapers.com.
  5. ^ Detchon, Reid (October 26, 1971). "Sykes sets sights high". Evening Sun. p. E15. Retrieved August 29, 2022 – via newspapers.com.
  6. ^ "Choices announced for MEAC honors". Daily Times. December 9, 1971. p. 30. Retrieved August 29, 2022 – via newspapers.com.
  7. ^ a b "John Sykes". Pro Football Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved August 29, 2022.
  8. ^ "Colts wheel, deal; Douglas now a Bill". Tampa Bay Times. September 8, 1972. p. 2C. Retrieved August 29, 2022 – via newspapers.com.
  9. ^ "Sykes, Fugett are among 7 local gridders on NFL teams". Baltimore Sun. September 19, 1972. p. C4. Retrieved August 29, 2022 – via newspapers.com.
  10. ^ "Sykes signed". Palm Beach Post. November 15, 1972. p. E5. Retrieved August 29, 2022 – via newspapers.com.
  11. ^ "John Sykes Game Logs". Pro Football Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved August 29, 2022.
  12. ^ "Colts acquire John Sykes". Evening Sun. August 30, 1973. p. C7. Retrieved August 29, 2022 – via newspapers.com.
  13. ^ "Colts cut four, including Hinton". Valley Morning Star. September 12, 1973. p. 13. Retrieved August 29, 2022 – via newspapers.com.
  14. ^ "Last Week's Roundup". Public Opinion. October 11, 1974. p. 25. Retrieved August 29, 2022 – via newspapers.com.
  15. ^ Gibson, Bob (October 14, 1975). "Sykes, McGee help Hornets running attack". Charlotte Observer. p. 8B. Retrieved August 29, 2022 – via newspapers.com.
  16. ^ "WFL Transactions". Orlando Sentinel. October 20, 1975. p. 2-C. Retrieved August 29, 2022 – via newspapers.com.
  17. ^ Klingaman, Mike (December 29, 2017). "City, Morgan State star left tacklers behind, not regrets". Baltimore Sun. p. D3. Retrieved August 29, 2022 – via newspapers.com.