Johnny Clement

John Louis "Johnny Zero" Clement (October 31, 1919 - December 11, 1969) was an American professional football player who was a tailback and quarterback. He played college football for the SMU Mustangs from 1937 to 1940 and professional football for the Chicago Cardinals, Pittsburgh Steelers (1946-1948), and Chicago Hornets (1949). In 1947, he led the NFL with an average of 5.2 yards per rushing carry in 1947, and his 670 rushing yards ranked second in the NFL. His career was cut short by a pinched nerve in his neck.

Early life Clement was born in 1919 in Stonebluff, Oklahoma. He attended Eldorado High School in Eldorado, Texas. He appeared in nine games, four as a starter, for the Cardinals during the 1941 season, tallying 690 passing yards and 94 rushing yards.

Military service After the 1941 season, Clement served as an officer in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II. He was a B-29 pilot during the war. He also played service football for the 1944 Maxwell Field Marauders football team and 1945 Army Air Forces Training Command Skymasters football team. During the 1944 season, he completed 41 of 107 passes for 534 yards, scored 70 points, and tallied 862 rushing yards on 150 carries (5.7 yards per carry). Clement had worn the jersey number "zero" while playing football for the military and became known as "Johnny Zero" in 1944. While playing for Pittsburgh, continued to wear the "zero" jersey number.

Chicago Hornets In August 1949, having been offered no contract by the Steelers, Clement signed with the Chicago Hornets of the All-America Football Conference (AAFC). He completed 58 of 114 passes (50.9%) for 906 yards, six touchdowns, and 13 interceptions. His 906 passing yards ranked sixth in the AAFC. He also tallied 388 rushing yards (3.7 yards per carry) on 106 carries with five rushing touchdowns.