As America watches this season’s Super Bowl, we would like to remember Cape Charles’ own Johnny Sample, who played a major role in the New York Jets drubbing of the 3 touchdown favorite Baltimore Colts in Super Bowl III. During the game, Sample intercepted a pass, stopping a Baltimore Colts drive at the 2 yard line, and then asked the receiver “Is this what you’re looking for?” Later in the game, Baltimore Coach Don Shula confronted Sample claiming he had pushed a receiver over the Colts’ bench. In his face, Sample told Shula, “I wish I had pushed you over the bench.”
While becoming the prototype NFL cornerback (he was big at 6’1” 210lbs), he defined the pressing, bump and run style of pass defense.
In his 1970 autobiography, Confessions of a Dirty Ballplayer, he writes of growing up in segregated Cape Charles, the son of John B. Sample, a barber, and Evlyn Sample, a stenographer–and having to cross the hump to get to the “Colored” Rosenwald School.
As an athlete, he was outspoken about the rights of black players in the NFL. His views may have cost him some playing time. After leaving the Colts over a fine in the 1961 preseason, he believes that led to his being blackballed after the 1965 season.
In 1966, needing a job, and the Jets needing an accomplished cornerback, Johnny called former coach Weeb Ewbank, who had coached him to the two N.F.L. titles with the Colts and was now with the Jets. While not the best of friends, Ewbank and Sample came to agreement and signed a contract.
His quarterback, Joe Namath loved Sample, “Johnny liked to talk because he was opinionated…He had established that reputation in Baltimore. He honed his skills, let’s say, with the Jets. And he backed it up with his play, big time.” Days before Super Bowl III, Johnny was elected the Jets’ defensive captain. Known as a smart player and student of the game, he kept a notebook on the tendencies of every receiver he would be facing.
Johnny attended Maryland State College, now the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. He was the first player from a historically black university to participate in the College All-Star Game, an annual exhibition held in those days between pro rookies and the reigning N.F.L. champion.
In Super Bowl III, the 18 point underdog Jets won, 16-7, and it was sweet revenge and payback against the N.F.L. From his book, “I got into plenty of trouble. But I stood up for what I believed in.”
About the Author
I also was thinking about Johnny Sample this weekend. You have a nice remembrance here; thanks for writing it. About 15 years ago I went to Philadelphia and interviewed him for a story for the Eastern Shore News. He was eloquent and a gentleman, nothing close to the brash personality of his youth. Of course, in addition to Super Bowl III, he played in classic ’58 NFL title game and — my personal favorite — the infamous “Heidi Game.” Quite a resume for a child of Cape Charles. I appreciate your reminding everyone!
Mr. Shockley: I would love to speak with you. We are producing a documentary on Mr. Sample and are pleased with his nomination for enshrinement into the 2021 Pro Football HOF. gosmithproductions@gmailcom 240-603-0180 God Bless!
I remember going to the parade in his honor in Cape Charles. He, his wife, and little son wearing white suits sitting up on the seats in a convertible. I have his book.
Ms. Harlow: I would love to speak with you. We are producing a documentary on Mr. Sample and are pleased with his nomination for enshrinement into the 2021 Pro Football HOF. gosmithproductions@gmailcom 240-603-0180 God Bless!
Johnny Sample was ahead of his time as far as his on and off the field personality, for which, as a black man myself, I admired him for. Now, I don’t think he was as great as he put himself up to be in his book ‘Confessions of a Dirty Ballplayer’, I mean, Herb Adderly and Mel Blount he was not. But as a person, yes, admire him a great deal.
What does ‘Black’ have to do with it?
Yeah, What does it have to do with anything. It never ceases to amaze me how blacks want you not to notice their skin color, but never stop reminding you they are black.
If you familiarized yourself with Sample’s story, or even take time to understand this well-written article, you would understand that ‘Black’ has everything to do with it. Do you think Sample would have had to advocate so vehemently for fair pay and equal treatment if he was a white man? Did white athletes have to “stand up” for themselves or be given separate and subpar accommodations while traveling? Knowledge is power and education is life; I hope you find both.
He and my brother Michael Beckett, are first cousins.
Mr. Beckett: I would love to speak with you. We are producing a documentary on Mr. Sample and are pleased with his nomination for enshrinement into the 2021 Pro Football HOF. gosmithproductions@gmailcom 240-603-0180 God Bless!
Ms. Goeins, did you complete the documentary? If so, where can it be viewed? Thanks!
Hi Mr. Beckett, can you tell me what Johnny Sample’s Cape Charles address was? We bought 647 Madison Ave several years ago, and we were told his aunt once lived there – the house at 641 Madison Ave is gone – was that his address? Is your brother also related to LaVerne Sample? Do you know how to reach her? We found a letter in the attic insulation that was written to her in 1963. Any information you can provide is much appreciated!
Johnny Sample. WOW !! A wonderful memory blast from the past. I didn’t know him. I met him once at Shea Stadium. He seemed like a friendly enough man to me. A young white kid like me just loved to take the bus from jerzee and then the IRT Subway out to The Worlds Fair stop in Flushing NY that was also for Shea Stadium across the street. I loved football. Still do. What I remember about Johnny Sample is that he played well and played hard on every play.
As far as the black/white deal, we all have our upbringing and understanding of it. I grew up there at a time and in a place where there simply were no blacks. I can’t presume to be smart enough to understand or explain all the social and economic reasons back then as to why. I was a kid. I knew what I was taught. My catholic upbringing preached “separate but equal” to me, but I am sure there was also prejudice involved to some of it. So I for sure don’t know what Johnny Sample learned, or thought in his upbringing.
What I do know is this. Johnny Sample played at a time when many people in this country were mistreated. Many still are. This was the era of Curt Flood suing Bowie Kuhn and Major League Baseball for freedom from the unconstitutional reserve clause. He eventually won this suit and really changed contracts for all pro sports players. So sports heroes like Johnny and Curt Flood helped a lot more folks than only people with black or brown skin. I appreciate that about folks like them.
If each of us could change our own little corner of the world for the better…..just imagine……