WHEREAS, Although Johnny Sample was born in Cape Charles, Virginia in 1937, he spent most of his life living and working in Philadelphia; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Sample was an outstanding defensive halfback with the Baltimore Colts, Pittsburgh Steelers, Washington Redskins and the New York Jets. He had 41 career interceptions, returning 4 for touchdowns; and
WHEREAS, He participated in two of the most historic championship games in Professional Football history. As a rookie he played in what is now known as the greatest game ever played, when his Baltimore Colts defeated the New York Giants 23-17 in overtime at Yankee Stadium. The Colts would repeat as champs in 1959 by beating the Giants once again. Some of his teammates included John Unitas, Lenny Moore, Art Donovan, Gino Marchetti, Raymond Berry and Big Daddy Lipscomb; and
WHEREAS, In Super Bowl III, Johnny Sample, a New York Jets team captain, played an outstanding game as the Jets upset the mighty Baltimore Colts, John's former team, just as Jets' quarterback, Joe Namath had predicted; and
WHEREAS, Using a bonus from one of his championship games with the Colts, Mr. Sample purchased a home with his mother at 61st & Cobbs Creek Parkway, which is where he lived until the time of his death; and
WHEREAS, Following his football career Mr. Sample began various business projects in West Philadelphia, founded a tennis club in Fairmount Park and became a leading voice in the African-American community with his numerous appearances on TV and radio as a commentator; and
WHEREAS, Johnny Sample remained a strong positive force in the community and will be missed by all those who had the opportunity to know him; therefore,
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That we hereby honor the memory of Johnny Sample.
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