Johnny Mack Brown

Bio

Johnny Mack Brown is best remembered as perhaps the first athlete who successfully pursued a motion picture career. As a football player at the University of Alabama, Brown played in one of the most important games in southern football history. Until Alabama defeated Washington 20-19 in the 1926 Rose Bowl, southern football did not enjoy the prestige it holds today. The 1926 Rose Bowl provided one of the first opportunities for southern football to gain national recognition. Trailing 12-0 at halftime, Alabama changed its offensive strategy to utilize Brown's pass catching abilities. In the third quarter, Brown was on the receiving end of 61-yard and 38-yard touchdown pass plays. Alabama won the game. Alabama posted a 10-0 record while shutting out eight opponents. Brown's play in the Rose Bowl inspired the game's head linesman to say, "Johnny Mack Brown has the sweetest feet I have ever seen. The way he managed to elude Washington tacklers in his long runs was marvelous. He has a weaving elusive style that is beautiful to watch." After graduation Brown became one of Hollywood's most popular western stars.

Career Highlights

• 1925 Third Team All-America