Professional Football Player, Coach. Born John Puckett North, he was raised in Tennessee, where he attended Castle Heights Military Academy, and excelled as a multi-sports athlete in track, basketball and football. He enrolled at Vanderbilt University, but his studied were interrupted while he served in the US Marines Corps during World War II. He received a Purple Heart during his military experience. Upon returning home, North resumed his education at Vanderbilt, attaining Bachelor's and Master's degrees while earning All-American honors in football. He was selected by the Washington Redskins during the 4th round of the NFL Draft, but instead he signed with the Baltimore Colts of the All-America Football Conference. For three seasons (1948 to 1950) he played at the offensive end and defensive back positions in the AAFC with the Colts, and concluded his playing career, appearing in 29 games after Baltimore joined the NFL in 1950. He began coaching at the high school level in Alabama, and later college with Tennessee Tech, Kentucky and LSU, before joining the professional ranks serving on the Detroit Lions' staff. In 1973, he succeeded J.D. Roberts as head coach of the New Orleans Saints, and served at that capacity for parts of three seasons, before he was dismissed six games into the 1975 season. He compiled a career 11 win 23 loss NFL coaching record. Following service on the Atlanta Falcons' coaching staff, and a brief stint on the staff of the New Orleans Breakers of the USFL, North retired from football and worked in the real estate industry.
Professional Football Player, Coach. Born John Puckett North, he was raised in Tennessee, where he attended Castle Heights Military Academy, and excelled as a multi-sports athlete in track, basketball and football. He enrolled at Vanderbilt University, but his studied were interrupted while he served in the US Marines Corps during World War II. He received a Purple Heart during his military experience. Upon returning home, North resumed his education at Vanderbilt, attaining Bachelor's and Master's degrees while earning All-American honors in football. He was selected by the Washington Redskins during the 4th round of the NFL Draft, but instead he signed with the Baltimore Colts of the All-America Football Conference. For three seasons (1948 to 1950) he played at the offensive end and defensive back positions in the AAFC with the Colts, and concluded his playing career, appearing in 29 games after Baltimore joined the NFL in 1950. He began coaching at the high school level in Alabama, and later college with Tennessee Tech, Kentucky and LSU, before joining the professional ranks serving on the Detroit Lions' staff. In 1973, he succeeded J.D. Roberts as head coach of the New Orleans Saints, and served at that capacity for parts of three seasons, before he was dismissed six games into the 1975 season. He compiled a career 11 win 23 loss NFL coaching record. Following service on the Atlanta Falcons' coaching staff, and a brief stint on the staff of the New Orleans Breakers of the USFL, North retired from football and worked in the real estate industry.
Bio by: C.S.
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