John Ford (quarterback)
John Ford, 1950 | |
| Profile | |
|---|---|
| Position | Quarterback |
| Personal information | |
| Born | Breckenridge, Texas, U.S. |
| Career information | |
| College |
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John "Model T" Ford[1] is an American former college football player and coach. He played quarterback for the Hardin–Simmons Cowboys from 1948 to 1950. He led the Cowboys to victories in two bowl games and set a national single-season record with 26 touchdown passes in 1949. He later worked for over 30 years as a coach, including stints as the backfield coach for the Arizona Wildcats.
Football playing career
Ford played quarterback for the Hardin–Simmons Cowboys from 1948 to 1950. As a sophomore, Ford led the 1948 Hardin–Simmons Cowboys football team to a 6–2–3 record, including victories in both the Shrine Bowl and the Camellia Bowl. As a junior in 1949, he twice threw five touchdown passes in a game (against Trinity (TX) and Loyola (CA)) and set a new national record with 26 touchdown passes in 11 games.[2] As a senior in 1950, Ford ranked second in the nation in passing yards (1,777 yards) and fifth in total offense (1,720 yards).[3] He was selected three times as the All-Border Conference quarterback.[4] During his four years at Hardin-Simmons, Ford completed 313 of 552 pases for 4,186 yards and accounted for 366 points on 58 touchdown passes and three rushing touchdowns.[4][5]
Ford signed a contract with the Philadelphia Eagles in March 1951,[6] but he was considered too small and was released.
Football coaching career
Ford instead accepted a coaching position at Rotan High School in Rotan, Texas, in the fall of 1951.[7] In July 1953, he was named backfield coach at the University of Arizona.[8] He continued in coaching for over 30 years, including a position with Rio Hondo Junior College in Whittier, California.[9]
Later years and family
Ford was inducted into the Hardin-Simmons Hall of Fame in 1984.[9]
Ford's brother, Ken "Model A" Ford, also played quarterback at Hardin–Simmons.[1]
References
- ^ a b "Lil' Ford Outstrips Older Model As H-SU'S Top Passer". Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Associated Press. December 7, 1957. p. 11. Retrieved August 13, 2025.
- ^ "Cowboys' Ford Heads Passers: Heath's Record Smashed With 26 Scoring Heaves". Fort Worth Star-Telegram. December 8, 1949. p. 17 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ Official Collegiate Football Record Book. National Collegiate Athletic Association. 1951. pp. 27, 28.
- ^ a b "Ford Leaves for Miami To Play Bowl Game". Abilene Reporter-News. December 14, 1950. p. 12 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Ford Takes College Passing Records Into Pro Football". San Angelo Standard-Times. May 26, 1951. p. 4 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Eagles Sign Ford". The Evening Sun. Hanover, PA. March 27, 1951. p. 10.
- ^ "Ford, Ex-H-SU Ace, To Coach at Rotan". Fort Worth Star-Telegram. September 1, 1951. p. 9 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Arizona Signs John Ford As Grid Assistant". The Arizona Republic. July 7, 1953. p. 21 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ a b Bill Hart (February 11, 1984). "HSU Adds Three to Hall of Fame". The Abilene Reporter-News. p. 3C – via Newspapers.com.