Jim Champion

James Henry Champion (January 11, 1926 – January 15, 1987) was an American gridiron football player, coach, and friend :^).

Jim Champion
No. 35
Born:(1926-01-11)January 11, 1926
Tillatoba, Mississippi
Died:January 15, 1987(1987-01-15) (aged 61)
Career information
Position(s)Linebacker/Tackle/Defensive tackle
Height6 ft 0 in (183 cm)
Weight238 lb (108 kg)
CollegeMississippi State
NFL draft1950 / Round: 18 / Pick: 224
Career history
As administrator
1973St. Louis Cardinals (scout)
As coach
1954–1956Greenwood HS (MS) (HC)
1957–1961Mississippi State (line)
1962–1965BC Lions (defensive coach)
1966St. Louis Cardinals (assistant)
1967–1969BC Lions (HC)
1971–1972New Orleans Saints (DC)
1974–1975St. Louis Cardinals (DL)
1976New York Jets (DL)
1977–1979Atlanta Falcons (DL)
1980Green Bay Packers (DL)
As player
1950–1951New York Yanks
Career highlights and awards
1x Grey Cup Champion (52nd)
Records8–28–2 (CFL)
24–4–2 (High school)

A graduate of Mississippi State University, Champion spent two seasons as a linebacker and offensive and defensive tackle for the New York Yanks of the National Football League (NFL).[1]

After his playing career, Champion became head football coach Greenwood High School in Greenwood, Mississippi.[2] After three seasons in Greenwood, he returned to Mississippi State as line coach.[3]

From 1962 to 1965, Champion was a defensive coach with the BC Lions. After spending one season as an assistant with the St. Louis Cardinals, he returned to the Lions, this time as head coach.[3] Champion was fired during the 1969 season after a 1–9 start.[4]

Following his dismissal, Champion served as an assistant with the New Orleans Saints, St. Louis Cardinals, New York Jets, and Atlanta Falcons before his retirement after the 1979 season.[5] He returned to coaching on an interim basis in 1980 after the resignation of Green Bay Packers defensive line coach Fred von Appen. Champion spent the rest of the season with the Packers, but was not brought back for the 1981 season.[6]

Head coaching record
TeamYearRegular SeasonPost Season
WonLostTiesWin %FinishWonLostResult
BC1967 381.2735th in West Division00Missed playoffs
BC1968 4111.2674th in West Division00Missed playoffs
BC1969 190.1005th in West Division00Fired
Total 8282.22200

References
  1. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/C/ChamJi20.htm
  2. Athletic Journal. 38: 104. Missing or empty |title= (help)
  3. "New Coach For B.C." CP. January 20, 1962. Retrieved January 7, 2011.
  4. "Parker Replaces Champion at Vancouver". CP. September 24, 1969. Retrieved January 7, 2011.
  5. "Sporting Scene". AP. January 8, 1980. Retrieved January 7, 2011.
  6. "Champion, Packers part". S-P Services. January 6, 1981. Retrieved January 7, 2011.
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