American · Paris, USA · Born 3 April 1934 · Died 2005-07-18Baltimore Colts offensive lineman considered one of the greatest ever, protecting Johnny Unitas for over a decade.
James Thomas Parker was born on 3 April 1934 in Macon, Georgia, and played his final two years of high school football in Toledo, Ohio, before starring at Ohio State under coach Woody Hayes, helping the Buckeyes win a national championship in 1954 and earning the Outland Trophy as a unanimous All-American in 1956. The Baltimore Colts selected Parker eighth overall in the 1957 NFL Draft, and though his college coach believed his future lay on defence, Colts coach Weeb Ewbank moved him to offensive tackle, where he became responsible for protecting the blind side of legendary quarterback Johnny Unitas. Parker helped anchor Baltimore's offensive line to NFL championships in both 1958 and 1959, and earned eight consecutive Pro Bowl selections and nine All-Pro honours across his career, later shifting to guard in 1962 and continuing his All-Pro form at the new position. Parker retired in 1967 and became, in 1973, the first player to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame purely for his career as an offensive lineman, paving the way for the recognition of future greats at the position. He died on 18 July 2005, at age 71, in Columbia, Maryland.
Colts offensive lineman, blocked for Unitas
How They Played
Mobile, athletic lineman who excelled at both guard and tackle with exceptional blocking technique
Lasting Impact
Transformed offensive line play and paved the way for recognition of linemen in professional football
Career Honours
- Pro Football Hall of Fame 1973
- 8x Pro Bowl
- 8x First-team All-Pro
- 2x NFL champion (1958, 1959)
| Team | Period | Games | Jersey |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baltimore Colts | 1957–1967 | 135 | #77 |
American Athletes