JIm Thorpe was born on May 28th, 1888 in Oklahoma ( Indian Territory at the time). He was the second oldest out of six children. His Father was of Irish and Sauk-Fox and his mom was 1/4 french and 3/4 chippewa Indian. Thorpe was an extremely active child and learned how to ride a bike, swim, and hunt at a very young age. When he played football at the Carlisle School, it brought him to the position of his coach Glen "Pop" Warner. Despite sitting on the bench for the majority of the season, he led his team to an upset victory against pennsylvania. In 1909, he joined the Carolina league and palyed professional for Winston Salem, Fayetteville, and Rocky Mountain. By !912, he had his eyes set on competing in the 1912 Olympic games in Track and Field. During the Olympic games, He won 4/5 events in the penthalon. After the Olympics, He married Iva Miller and had four children. After he returned to America, He continued at Carlisle to play college football. Then after college, Thorpe returned to Professional baseball and played for multiple teams such as the New York Giants,Cincinnati Reds, and the Boston Braves. In 1920, he played a part in helping organize the National Football League (NFL). He served as the organizations first president, he also played for teams like Canton, New York, and St. Petersburg. Soon after he retired in 1929 and moved to Hollywood only to publish a life story on himself. In 1937, and became involved in Native American affairs.In 1950, a poll among nearly 400 A sports writers selected Thorpe as the greatest male athlete and greatest football player of the first half of the
20th century, choosing him over Babe Ruth,Ty Cobb, Red Grange, and Jack Dempsey. At the same time, he was inducted into the college and pro football halls of fame. Then in March 28, 1953 Thorpe died of a Heart Attack. He will be forever known as the greatest Athlete of the 20th century.
20th century, choosing him over Babe Ruth,Ty Cobb, Red Grange, and Jack Dempsey. At the same time, he was inducted into the college and pro football halls of fame. Then in March 28, 1953 Thorpe died of a Heart Attack. He will be forever known as the greatest Athlete of the 20th century.