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< Back Jim "Jake" Maloney Jim "Jake" Maloney Sipe’kneketik First Nation, Nova Scotia, Canada Induction Category: Year Inducted Athlete 2023 Jim “Jake” Maloney is a Karate Master Rank and 10th Degree Black Belt training uninterrupted for 55 years beginning in 1963. Jim is the first person in Canada to reach the rank of Black belt in Uechi Ryu Karate, in 1967, and in 1970 brought Uechi Ryu Karate to Canada. Jim grew up in Sipe’kneketik First Nation, Nova Scotia, Canada. At the young age of 16, Jim moved to Boston, Massachusetts and he soon found the Mattson Academy of Karate. The Academy was the founder of Uechi Ryu in the United States and when George Mattson took Jim in under his care, Jim found exactly what he was looking for. Jim studied alongside some of the most decorated competitors in the sport. Jim’s first instructor was Van Canna, one of the top tournament competitors in the Northeastern United States. Jim trained under George Mattson, when Mattson singled him out and provided special attention to his training. Jim began and quickly became, “one of the top kumite competitors”. Jim was an undefeated New England champion in free fighting and cement breaking competitions (1967 -1973). As an official representative to Okinawa, Japan for Canada in the Uechi Ryu Karate Association, Jim has trained more than 16,000 students internationally spanning over four decades, while developing and training hundreds of fighting champions on full contact basis. Jim Maloney has organized and operate the first independent, all Aboriginal training institute in Canada named the First Nation Tribal Justice Institute. The Institute is responsible for training hundreds of First Nation peoples across Canada. Jim Maloney is a living legend, having already been recognized, honored and inducted into the Mi’kmaq Sports Hall of Fame in 2016, the Canadian Black Belt Hall of Fame in 2018 and the East Hants Sport Hall of Fame in 2020. <Back

Leanne Sirup Category Athlete Tribe Inuit Year Inducted 2022 D.O.B. 6/20/1975 Being of Inuit descent, Leanne Sirup’s history in the sport of swimming spans more than three decades; starting as a swimmer, and then transferring her skills to coaching and mentoring. As an athlete, Leanne raced to the podium in numerous championships provincially and nationally as well as competing for Team Canada internationally. During this period, Leanne also set numerous provincial and national records predominantly in the 800m freestyle, the 200m butterfly, and the 400m individual medley. In addition to her decorated career, Sirup came out of retirement and competed at the 1997 North American Indigenous Games (NAIG) where she raced to a total of 8 medals and the distinction of the British Columbia (BC) Premier’s Athlete of the Year. As a coach, Sirup has been the head coach of Team BC since 2004. Leading her provincial swimmers in every NAIG since, including a swim team overall victory in NAIG 2017, Leanne has been honored with the Provincial Coach of the Year (2008) and the National Coaching Award for Indigenous Excellence in Sport as presented by the Aboriginal Sport Circle and the Coaches Association of Canada partnership (2008, 2021). Ms Sirup has also been selected by Swimming Natation Canada as a Select Coach for their High Performance Development program. Leanne is keen on giving back to the Sport that has given so much to her. She is proud to serve as a National Coaching Certification Program’s Learning Facilitator since 2012, sharing her knowledge and experience to further the development the sport of swimming. Locally, Leanne continually endeavors to create opportunities for the youth to learn about the sport of swimming to open the pathway for success in any branch of Aquatics. To positively affect those around her, just as her coaches and mentors have done so generously for her. Photo: Carrie Matheson Home 2026 Banquet 2026 Banquet Sponsorship About Inductee Search Provincial Nominees Contact More

North American Indigenous Athletics Hall of Fame (NAIAHF) Banquet Saturday, September 9, 2023 from 9 am to 3 pm at Canterbury Park Expo Center: https://www.canterburyparkevents.com/venues/expo-center/ The North American Indigenous Athletics Hall of Fame will recognize the inaugural 2022 and second class of 2023 inductees in a ceremony and lunch on Saturday, September 9, 2023. By honoring and celebrating the empowered journey of these individuals and teams, the hope is their stories may inspire future generations to follow their dreams in athletics. Please join us in our efforts to honor and recognize the elite indigenous athletics leaders in North America by becoming a sponsor or hall of fame program advertiser of our first North American Indigenous Athletics Hall of Fame Ceremony and Dinner. All proceeds will offset the event expenses including providing gifts to the inductees. This is the NAIAHF website: https://www.naiahf.org/ Dr. Dan and Susan Ninham, Directors, NAIAHF, PO Box 652, Red Lake, MN, USA, 56671, coach.danninham@gmail.com Gold Sponsor $5,000 Three reserved VIP banquet tables for 10 per table and 30 total Logo on the Welcome signage Logo on both sides of the Autograph Card Logo and website link on the North American Indigenous Athletics Hall of Fame webpage Video screen logo at the banquet One sponsor spokesperson will be speaking for five minutes at the afternoon banquet session Announcement of Gold, Silver and Bronze sponsors at the banquet Silver Sponsor $3,000 Two reserved VIP banquet tables for 10 per table and 20 total Logo on the Welcome signage Logo on both sides of the Autograph Card Logo and website link on the North American Indigenous Athletics Hall of Fame webpage Video screen logo at the banquet One sponsor spokesperson will be speaking for five minutes at the afternoon banquet session Announcement of Gold, Silver and Bronze sponsors at the Banquet Bronze Sponsor $1,000 One reserved VIP banquet table for 10 total Logo on the Welcome signage Logo on both sides of the Autograph Card Logo and website link on the North American Indigenous Athletics Hall of Fame webpage Video screen logo at the banquet One sponsor spokesperson will be speaking for five minutes at the afternoon banquet session Announcement of Gold, Silver and Bronze sponsors at the Banquet Hall Of Fame Table Sponsor $400 per 10 seat table Logo or words on the bottom of both sides of the Autograph Card Sponsor may designate who will be seated or allow Dr. Dan and Susan to seat people Announcement as a Table Sponsor at the Banquet Hall of Fame Banquet Drawing Prize Sponsor $500+ retail value of drawing prizes Logo or words on the bottom of both sides of the Autograph Card Announcement as a Drawing Sponsor at the Banquet If retail value of drawing prizes are at the Gold, Silver or Bronze levels above, the same Medal perks are included Sponsorship Details The deadline to receive sponsorship is noon central time on August 18, 2023. The deadline to receive payment and copy ready ad for the Hall of Fame Program is also noon central time August 18, 2023. Payment can be made in a check or money order and sent to Empowered Youth Development Initiatives, C/O NAIAHF Banquet Sponsor, PO Box 652, Red Lake, MN, USA, 56671. Payment can also be made by PayPal - use code: coach.danninham@midco.net . All payments are in USD. Contact Dr. Dan Ninham at 218.368.6430 (text preferred) or coach.danninham@gmail.com to receive additional details about the sponsorship and Hall of Fame program advertising.

About Introduction: The North American Indigenous Athletics Hall of Fame (NAIAHF) honors and recognizes the indigenous sport cultures of 27 countries of North America by recognizing outstanding leadership and achievement in individual and team athletics. By honoring and celebrating the empowered journey of the annually inducted individuals and teams, the hope is their stories may inspire future generations to follow their dreams in athletics and life. Nomination Process: Nominations for individuals and teams to be considered for induction into the annual North American Indigenous Athletics Hall of Fame are accepted throughout the course of the year until the October 21st noon central time deadline. Nominations are accepted for individuals or teams in the following categories: • Athlete • Coach • Team • Builder • Media • Official • Trainer Inductee eligibility: Inductees are recognized and honored, past and present, as Indigenous to North America including but not limited to Tribal, First Nation, Métis, Inuit including federally recognized and self-identified descendant in the listed categories throughout the year. Inductee’s may also be considered who are indigenous to North America and compete outside of North American and those who are indigenous outside of North America and compete in North America. The inductee’s credentials need to include being at the highest state, provincial, region, national or international sport recognition, and/or being recognized in college or professional athletic realms. To receive a nomination form or for additional information, contact Dr. Dan Ninham at 218.368.643 0 (text preferred) or coach.danninham@gmail.com . The annual nomination deadline is noon central time on October 21st for the next year induction. Induction Recognition: There will be an in-person banquet to be announced. There will not be a hall of fame facility. Each inductee will receive a certificate and in person banquet inductees may receive additional gift/s. There will be a school curriculum developed to continue sharing the legacies of inductees. The induction announcement will be made on January 2nd of the year of each induction class year.

Cherokee Jerod Phillips Cherokee Induction Category: Year Inducted Officials 2026 <Back Jerod Phillips is a lifelong resident of Northeastern Oklahoma and a proud citizen of the Cherokee Nation. He and his wife of 28 years, Alisha, have raised three adult sons—Trent, Ty, and Brady—and are the proud grandparents of their grandson, Kobe. Jerod’s passion for sports sparked his officiating career in 1993, when he began working rural little league football games alongside his father. What started as a family pastime quickly evolved into a lifelong pursuit of excellence. Over the next three decades, Jerod advanced through the ranks—from junior college games to small college Division II schools, the Southland Conference, the Mountain West Conference, and the Big 12 Conference. In 2016, Jerod achieved a lifelong dream when he joined the National Football League (NFL) as a Down Judge. Throughout his NFL career, he has officiated two Wild Card Playoff Games, two Divisional Playoff Games, and four Championship Games: the 2019 AFC, 2021 NFC, 2023 AFC, and 2024 NFC Championships. He was also selected as an Alternate Official for Super Bowl LV (55) in Tampa Bay and Super Bowl LVII (57) in Phoenix, Arizona. Beyond the field, Jerod contributes his expertise by helping supervise officials for the Big 12, Mountain West, and Conference USA. Jerod serves as an inspiring example of perseverance and dedication—proof that even a small-town Native kid from rural Oklahoma can achieve greatness at the highest levels. As a school principal, he is deeply committed to the success of his students, encouraging them to dream big and work hard to achieve their goals. His passion for athletics goes beyond the game; he believes sports help shape character, teaching essential life lessons about perseverance, discipline, and accountability. Despite the opportunities his career could afford him across the nation, Jerod chooses to live and give back to the Native community where he grew up. His presence and leadership inspire countless students who see in him a reflection of what is possible with hard work and integrity.

< Back Melvin 'Smiley' Sierra Melvin 'Smiley' Sierra Oglala Lakota Induction Category: Year Inducted Athlete 2026 Melvin 'Smiley' Sierra is an enrolled member of the Oglala Lakota. Growing up in the heart of the Pine Ridge Reservation, Sierra inherited a rich legacy from his parents: his father, Bennett 'Tuffy' Sierra Sr., a rodeo champion and renowned cowboy, who instilled in Melvin the champion attitude and effort necessary to succeed. This dedication was further shaped by his mother, Elizabeth Big Crow-Little, and stepfather, Ernie Little, whose ranch taught him the importance of hard work and responsibility. Sierra took this invaluable upbringing and translated it into a legendary rodeo career, earning his place as a Professional Bull Rider and Lifetime Card member of both the PRCA and the Bull Riding Hall Of Fame. His ascent began with champion titles in high school and college, including the 1985 South Dakota High School Regional Champion and the 1986 Great Plains Indian Rodeo Association Finals Champion. His dominance continued at the collegiate level, where he was a 2x Great Plains Intercollegiate Region Champion and a three-time College National Finals Rodeo Association Qualifier, and the 1990 National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association Bull Riding Season Leader unfortunately an injury sidelined Melvin before the NIRA National Finals which saw him fall to #3 in the National Standings at seasons end. Professionally, Sierra was a consistent force beginning with the 1988 NRCA Finals Champion, 1989 Reserve National Champion Bull Rider CNFR. He also captured the prestigious 1992 Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association Badlands Circuit Champion where Melvin qualified for the 1993 Dodge National Circuit Final Rodeo in Pocatello Idaho. His list of achievements includes the prestigious 1996 Indian National Finals Rodeo World Champion. He also consistently qualified for top events, including seven-time Badlands CFR qualifier and seven-time INFR Qualifier and a trip to the 1992 Bullnanza held in Guthrie Oklahoma showcasing his status among the Top 30 PRCA Bull Riders. Finishing with a 2001 Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation Schemitzun Reserve World Champion Bull Rider and qualifying for the 2004 INFR, Soboba California. His competitive drive placed him among the elite of the sport for over two decades. Equally impressive is his commitment to education. A 1991 South Dakota State University graduate, Sierra also earned his M.Ed. in Administration in 2004. He has served 12 years teaching and 20 years in school administration, holding roles as a school principal and coach for various sports. A respected figure, he shares his expertise as a Bull Riding Instructor at multiple schools and camps and as a certified Rodeo Judge for youth, open, Indian Rodeos, and even the Professional Bull Riders-PBR Rapid City event. He continues to dedicate his time and knowledge to mentoring young athletes and students. Melvin 'Smiley' Sierra embodies the champion spirit instilled by his father and the ethic of hard work learned on his mother and stepfather’s ranch. Photos: Bennett 'Tuffy' Sierra and Dan Hubbell <Back

Maurice “Mo” Smith Category Athlete Tribe Navajo Year Inducted 2022 D.O.B. 11/20/1962 Maurice “Mo” Smith is the Executive Director for the Urban Indian Center of Salt Lake (UICSL). Mo is an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation who grew up in an urban Indian community in Denver, CO. He has been a “friend” to Indian Country for many years, better known for his work and accomplishments while serving as the Executive Director for the Native American Sports Council, a member-organization of the United States Olympic Committee. His passion and inspiration for his work today stems from his identity of a friend to Indian Country, better known for his work with the Native American Sports Council in the area of Sports and Wellness; hosting the largest sports and cultural celebration of North America, the 2006 North American Indigenous Games (7,000+ athletes). Maurice “Mo” Smith is the first documented enrolled tribal member to break the sub-four minute mile with a personal best of 3:55. Mo is from the Navajo Nation and grew up in an urban Indian community in Denver, CO. Mo is a five-time NAIA National Champion in Track & Field (800 & 1,500 Meters) while attending Adams State College in Alamosa, Colorado. Competed in 1988, 1992 and 1996 Olympic Track & Field Trials. Responsible for hosting and administrating the 2006 North American Indigenous Games in Denver, Colorado. Completed five Marathons including the 2021 Boston Marathon in October during Indigenous Peoples Day. Mr. Smith obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Adams State College and a Masters of Arts with a concentration in Non-Profit Management from Regis University. Originally from Colorado, Mr. Smith has lived and worked in various parts of the country including New Mexico, Montana, Arizona, Washington, no residing in Washington DC. His past employment experiences include serving as the Executive Director of the American Indian Business Leaders, the Director of Programs and Government Contracts for the National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development, Inc., the Executive Director of the Native American Sports Council, the Program Manager for the United States Olympic Committee and the Development Director of Wings of America. Mountain trail running, play in charity golf tournaments, and spending time with his two children and four grandchildren are a few of his past times. His 1990 Steve Prefontaine Mile winning sub-4:00 minute race is located here: Home 2026 Banquet 2026 Banquet Sponsorship About Inductee Search Provincial Nominees Contact More

< Back Michael “Bo” Vocu Michael “Bo” Vocu Oglala Sioux Induction Category: Year Inducted Athlete/Builder 2025 Michael “Bo” Vocu is a member of the Oglala Sioux Tribe, originally from Kyle, SD, and has made a significant mark in the rodeo world. Raised on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, Bo was inspired by the rodeo legends around him, especially his father, Dale, and aspired to follow in their footsteps. His dedication to the sport led him to a successful career in bull riding, earning him numerous accolades. Bo qualified for the South Dakota High School Rodeo Finals all four years and was named runner-up state champion in 1992. Bo later attended Chadron State College on a rodeo scholarship, where he continued to refine his skills and build his legacy in the sport. Bo’s professional career took off in 1994 when he qualified for the Indian National Finals Rodeo (INFR) for the first time. This marked the beginning of 14 INFR qualifications over the course of his career. In 1997, Bo moved to Arizona, where his bull riding career flourished. He won numerous titles and was crowned the All Indian Professional Rodeo Association World Champion in 2000. Bo takes pride in competing and winning at major Indian rodeos across the country and the lifelong friendships he’s formed along the way. He also participated in the PRCA and PBR, retiring in 2010 at the INFR. Beyond his competitive success, Bo’s impact on rodeo deepened when he became a commissioner of the INFR in 2007. He played a crucial role in relocating the INFR to Las Vegas, NV, and in developing programs for rodeo officials and stock contractors. In 2010, Bo and his fellow commissioners made it mandatory to include both junior and senior events at all INFR rodeos and Finals, preserving the family legacy of the sport. He was also instrumental in establishing the INFR Hall of Fame to honor the achievements of legendary athletes and contributors. As president of the INFR for the past decade, Bo has overseen the crowning of 228 INFR World Champions. Under his leadership, the INFR has grown into one of the largest rodeo organizations in North America and continues to grow every year. Bo’s favorite moment remains to see junior contestants receive their back numbers—a symbol of their entry into the sport and fulfilling dreams that inspire him daily. He knows the sport of rodeo will live on! In addition to his personal achievements, Bo also helped establish and coach the Professional Bull Riders (PBR) Team Wolves, an all-Indian team that competed for three years in the PBR Global Cup, further solidifying his legacy and commitment to advancing Native representation in rodeo and bull riding. Michael “Bo” Vocu’s influence on the rodeo world extends far beyond his impressive list of personal accomplishments. Through his leadership, vision, and dedication to preserving the traditions of the sport, Bo has become a key figure in the rodeo community, particularly in promoting Native American involvement and representation. His contributions to the INFR, the PBR Team Wolves, and the next generation of rodeo athletes ensure that his impact will continue to inspire and shape the future of the sport for years to come. With an unwavering commitment to family, tradition, and community, Bo Vocu’s legacy in the rodeo world is one of enduring excellence. <Back

Angelo Baca Category Athlete Tribe Diné/Hopi Year Inducted 2022 D.O.B. 2/13/1980 Angelo Baca is a cultural activist, scholar, filmmaker and currently a doctoral student in anthropology at New York University. He is the cultural resources coordinator at Utah Diné Bikéyah , a nonprofit organization dedicated to the defense and protection of culturally significant ancestral lands. The National Parks Conservation Association recently designated him as one of “10 Under 40” dynamic cultural activists who make up the association’s Next Generation Advisory Council. He has published a widely read op-ed in the New York Times. Shash Jaa’: Bears Ears is Angelo Baca’s latest award-winning film about the five tribes of the Bears Ears Inter-Tribal Coalition that worked together to protect 1.9 million acres of Utah wilderness through a national monument designation. His work reflects a long-standing dedication to both Western and Indigenous knowledge. Baca is also the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) National Champion in Cross Country and on the outdoor track in the 3000 meters steeplechase and 5000 meters in 2002-03. He also is a seven-time NJCAA All American in Cross Country, Track and the Half Marathon. Currently, he is training for trail races and long distances runs across Indigenous landscapes in Navajo country. Home 2026 Banquet 2026 Banquet Sponsorship About Inductee Search Provincial Nominees Contact More

John Lyall Kwakwaka’wakw Induction Category: Year Inducted Builder 2024 <Back John Lyall is a proud husband and father of three daughters, is a Kwakwaka’wakw artist and an enthusiastic sportsperson. His Kwakwala name is Mupenkin of the Kwakwaka’wakw Nation of Vancouver Island in BC. Lyall has been a lifelong rugby player, coach and now administrator, playing for the Velox Valhallians (Westshore), University of Victoria Vikes, Vancouver Island Crimson Tide and the Canadian Classics. He has been lucky to have played against and with some of Canada’s best. Lyall is currently the president of the Vancouver Island Rugby Union (2014 – present). Thunder Rugby was formed in 2013 under the direction of Lyall, Directors Phil Mack (Toquaht), Bobby Ross (Songhees), and Mark Bryant. Thunder Rugby’s goals are: To promote the game of rugby to Indigenous athletes and communities throughout Canada • To promote core values of rugby of teamwork, respect, enjoyment, discipline and sportsmanship; • To have Indigenous culture play a greater role in the development of rugby in Canada; and, • To identify potential high-performance Indigenous athletes that could one day represent BC and Canada. Rugby’s core values of teamwork, respect, enjoyment, and sportsmanship resonate with those of Indigenous communities; they are also traits that defined Lyall as a young man and player throughout his life, and now as coach and leader. Thunder Rugby has undertaken the responsibility of touring to California in August of 2022 and New Zealand in August 2023. These have been enormous and rewarding undertakings. Thunder Rugby used the “Four R’s of Indigenous Ways of Knowing” to guide us on our tours including: Respect to yourself and the Thunder program; Responsibility to your school, your community and your ancestors; Relationships and positive relationships with your coaches, your teammates, and your opposition; and finally, Resiliency: you need to find that well of inner strength to tour and play rugby, you have to be brave to play rugby, and that is what Thunder asked our youth to be. Lyall has been very fortunate to have the opportunity to play and lead in this great sport. For him, it has been a brotherhood for life; it is the embodiment of the Kwakwaka’wakw philosophy of “Num’way’ut, or We are All One”.

< Back Fawn Porter Fawn Porter Lower Cayuga Induction Category: Year Inducted Athlete 2026 Fawn Porter has played lacrosse since she was as tall as the goal post. Growing up in Six Nations, Fawn was one of the few girls to play box lacrosse. Her dad, seeing her competitive nature, placed her in box lacrosse and the rest is history. She has represented her community at the provincial, national, and world stage. Fawn Porter played in the minors for the Six Nations Warriors, where they were the first ever Six Nation’s girl’s box lacrosse team to win the Pool A Championship of Ontario. Fawn continued to the national level with the first ever Team Iroquois in 2013 where she was named to the all-star team. Fawn Porter later joined Team Ontario to compete nationally and won a silver medal. Playing box lacrosse was for the love of the game. There was no higher league to elevate to. Fawn tried field lacrosse at Western University, as any discipline of lacrosse will fuel her desire to play. She earned two golds and a bronze during her time at Western University and was named to the all-star team as well as being named as a captain. With the support of family, Fawn played with the Haudenosaunee Nationals for the first time in 2022 at the Women’s National Championship in Maryland, as well as the first Sixes team playing at the World Games in Alabama. Fawn was also named captain of the first Haudenosaunee Women’s World box lacrosse team that won the bronze medal at the first Women’s World Box Lacrosse Championships. She was also a part of the 2025 Haudenosaunee Nationals Women’s Field Team that earned their first bronze medal. Fawn continues striving to remain in the training pools for the three disciplines of box, field, and sixes lacrosse with the Haudenosaunee Nationals. She continues to let lacrosse take her around the world, spreading the good medicine. Fawn is an ambassador for the World Box Lacrosse Global Network (WBLGN) and found her new love of coaching through her first coaching experience with the First Nation’s U15 Girl’s Box team that travelled to Halifax. Fawn continues assisting lacrosse programs in her community as she loves connecting with the youth through lacrosse. <Back

< Back James Francis Thorpe James Francis Thorpe Sac and Fox Induction Category: Year Inducted Athlete 2023 James Francis Thorpe was born near Prague, Oklahoma. He was born to Hiram Thorpe, a farmer, and Charlotte Vieux, a Pottawatomie Indian and descendant of the last great Sauk and Fox chief Black Hawk, a noted warrior and athlete. Jim was actually born a twin, but his brother Charlie died at the age of nine. His Indian name, Wa-Tho-Huk, translated to “Bright Path.” In 1904, Thorpe started school at Carlisle Industrial Indian School in Pennsylvania. Thorpe began his athletic career at Carlisle, both playing football and running track. He was selected as a third-team All-American in 1908, and in 1909 and 1910 he made the first team. Football legend Glenn “Pop” Warner coached Thorpe at Carlisle. Thorpe competed in the 1912 Olympic Games in Stockholm, Sweden. He won the pentathlon and the decathlon and set records that would stand for decades. Thorpe’s glorious Olympic wins were jeopardized in 1913 when it surfaced that he had played two semi-professional seasons of baseball. Ultimately, it was decided that his baseball experience adversely affected his amateur status in the track and field events. His name was removed from the record books and his gold medals were taken away. Thorpe moved on after the Olympic ordeal and signed to play baseball for the New York Giants. He played outfield with New York for three seasons before playing with the Cincinnati Reds in 1917. He played 77 games with the Reds before finally returning to the Giants for an additional 26 games. In 1919, he played his final season in major league baseball, ending on the Boston Braves team. During much of his baseball years, Thorpe also played professional football for the Canton (Ohio) Bulldogs from 1915 until 1920 and with the Cleveland Indians in 1921. In the years following, he organized, coached and played with the Oorang Indians, a professional football team comprised of American Indians. Additionally, he was instrumental in forming the American Professional Football Association, and eventually became the president of the group. Through the years, the association evolved into today’s NFL. In all, Thorpe played with six different teams during his career in pro football, ending with a stint with the Chicago Cardinals in 1929. Two monumental honors were bestowed unto Thorpe in 1950 when he was named “the greatest American football player” and the “greatest overall male athlete” by the Associated Press. Thorpe died on March 28, 1953 of a heart attack. Thorpe’s medals were finally restored to him posthumously in 1982. In addition, and most importantly to his family, his name was put back into the record books. In 1950, the nation’s press selected Jim Thorpe as the most outstanding athlete of the first half of the 20th Century and in 1996-2001, he was awarded ABC’s Wide World of Sports Athlete of the Century. <Back