Jack Little

Jack Harold Little (December 31, 1931 – November 26, 2016) was an American professional football player and assistant football coach. After playing college football for Texas A&M, he played two seasons for the Baltimore Colts from 1953–54. He later served as a college assistant coach before working in Texas' parole system and finally retiring.

Early life Little was born in Corpus Christi, Texas. At the age of 12, his father died. His mother remarried when Jack was a senior in high school and moved to Washington, D.C. Jack and his older brother, Gene, remained in Corpus Christi. His brother received a scholarship to play football at Rice University.

In high school, Little was a second-team All-District football player.

Playing career Although Little enrolled at the University of Houston as a freshman, he did not attend any classes or played football there. Intimidated by the three-a-day practices that Houston held, Little and a high school friend escaped to Texas A&M. Little tried out for the football team, only because head coach Harry Stiteler was impressed by his toughness, determination, and intelligence.

Little lettered in football at Texas A&M from 1950–52. In 1950, he was part of an A&M squad that led the Southwest Conference (SWC) in total offense, and played in the Presidential Cup. Little made two All-America first-teams during his college years, one as a junior in 1951 and another as a senior in 1952. He also named an All-SWC lineman the same years. He also made the distinguished students list during his senior year for his academic performance. He was ultimately inducted into the Texas A&M Athletic Hall of Fame in 1982. He played two seasons for the Colts before a back injury ended his playing career.

Personal life and death Little married his wife Nancy in 1950, which was at the end of his freshman year. They soon had the first of their two daughters by the time he left Texas A&M. His oldest daughter eventually received a doctorate degree from the school.