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Johnny Drake

1916 – 1973

American football player

American football player
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About Johnny Drake

Lived 1916 – 1973 (aged 56). Johnny Drake was an American american football player.

John William "Zero" Drake (March 27, 1916 – March 26, 1973) was an American professional football player who was a running back for the Cleveland Rams of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Purdue Boilermakers. Drake was the first round pick (10th overall) by the Rams, their first ever draft pick, in the 1937 NFL draft. He led the NFL in touchdowns in the 1939 and 1940 seasons.

NFL career statistics Legend Led the league Bold Career high

Year Team Games Rushing Receiving GP GS Att Yds Avg TD Rec Yds Avg TD 1937 CLE 11 9 98 333 3.4 3 10 172 17.2 2 1938 CLE 11 8 74 188 2.5 1 2 13 6.5 0 1939 CLE 11 11 118 453 3.8 9 5 53 10.6 0 1940 CLE 11 8 134 480 3.6 9 8 81 10.1 0 1941 CLE 11 8 101 246 2.4 2 16 211 13.2 1 55 44 525 1,700 3.2 24 41 530 12.9 3

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Important facts

Born
27 March 1916, Chicago
Birth century
20th century
Died
26 March 1973, Detroit
Occupation
American football player
Nationality
United States
Education
Bowen High School

People in Johnny Drake's life

Named in this biography and alive at the same time

Portrait of John
John
1881 – 1963
Latin Catholic priest

Contemporaries

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Henry Norris Russell
1877 – 1957
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Frequently asked questions

Who was Johnny Drake?

American football player (1916-1973)

When was Johnny Drake born?

Johnny Drake was born on 27 March 1916 in Chicago.

When did Johnny Drake die?

Johnny Drake died on 26 March 1973 in Detroit.

What was Johnny Drake's occupation?

Johnny Drake was an american football player.

What nationality was Johnny Drake?

Johnny Drake was American.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: Johnny Drake

· Wikidata: Q6266621

· DBpedia: Johnny Drake

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Johnny Drake. https://biography.guide/johnny-drake/

MLA: "Johnny Drake." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/johnny-drake/.

Chicago: "Johnny Drake." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/johnny-drake/.

Data last updated: 2026-09-20 · Spot an error? Report a correction.

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