Jack Ferrante
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Jack Ferrante | |
|---|---|
 |
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| Date of birth | March 9, 1916 |
| Place of birth | Camden, New Jersey |
| Date of death | November 24, 2006 |
| Position(s) | End |
| College | None |
| Statistics | |
| Team(s) | |
| 1941-1950 | Philadelphia Eagles |
Jack Anthony Ferrante (March 9, 1916 - November 24, 2006), nicknamed "Blackjack," was an American end in the National Football League who played for the Philadelphia Eagles in 1941 and from 1944 to 1950.
Born in Camden, New Jersey, his family moved to South Philadelphia when he was six, and later to West Philadelphia; he dropped out of high school in his sophomore year and began working in local supermarkets. He began playing pro football in local leagues in 1934, initially getting $7 per game. He gained a tryout with the Eagles in 1939, and was signed by their farm team, the Wilmington Clippers. After another tryout, he played three games for the Eagles in 1941, but was sent back to Wilmington until making the Philadelphia roster for good in 1944. He was a member of the Eagles' championship teams in 1948 and 1949. He retired after his contract was sold to the Detroit Lions in 1950, when the team would not meet his salary demands. He became a salesman for a brewing company, and later served as a volunteer coach at Monsignor Bonner High School, leading the school to its first Philadelphia city championship in 1959 as well as a second title in 1961. Ferrante retired from his sales position in 1977, and died at age 90 in Yardley, Pennsylvania.
