Name: Joe Perry
Position: Fullback
Pro Career: 1948 – 1963
Team Affiliation(s): San Francisco 49ers, Baltimore Colts
College: Compton Junior
Induction Class: 1969
HOF Profile: Click Here
Brief Bio: With a rare combination of elusive speed and bruising power, Joe “The Jet” Perry was a formidable rushing threat coming out of San Francisco’s early backfield. The 49ers signed Perry as a free agent when his military service was complete in 1948 when the team was still in the AAFC. Perry quickly established himself as one of the league’s premier rushers and was named All-AAFC in 1949. When the AAFC closed shop and San Francisco merged into the NFL in 1950, Perry didn’t miss a beat. In 1953-54, he became the first player in league history to rush for back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons, earning All-NFL honors in both. By the time Perry finished his career in San Francisco (after having spent two years in Baltimore), he had played in 3 Pro Bowls and had rushed for nearly 10,000 yards – a mark that still ranks him 27th of all time.
Career Stats: 156 games played; 8,378 rushing yards; 53 rushing TDs; 4.9 yards per rushing attempt average; 1,796 receiving yards; 8 receiving TDs; 1 passing TD; 1 field goal; 6 PATs (NFL stats only)
Featured Card: 1950 Bowman #35. Despite being in his first NFL season, Joe Perry had already established himself as a rushing threat in the AAFC when his rookie card was released in 1950. At the time of my research (mid-April) there were quite a few copies listed on eBay with prices ranging from $9.95 to $669 with an obvious grading premium. I should note however that the $10 card had half of the front worn off.
NOTE: You can find all of my Hall Of Fame Spotlight Features by clicking the HOF Spotlight banner above.
