Joe Kendall

Bio

Tarzan Joe Kendall was a versatile halfback who not only was a top-flight runner, place-kicker and punter, but also one of the best passers of his era. Kendall had the ability to use his running ability to avoid the rush buying himself time to find open receivers far downfield. In high school, Kendall played on a team that just came up short in the United States Negro League Championship Game. His play earned him a place on the Negro High School All-America team. In 1932, Kendall attended West Kentucky College. While the school was considered a junior college, he was named a third-team All-America with players from major schools. The following season he enrolled at Kentucky State. With the Thorobreds he played in a wide-open offense utilizing a spread formation known as the "Circle X." At the end of his 1934 sophomore season every major selector of the day picked the undefeated Kentucky State team as national champions. In addition to the team's great offensive abilities, the 'Breds did not surrender a single touchdown over the course of the season. That year Kendall captured the first of three consecutive Black College All-America selections. A 9-1 season followed in 1935. A year after he completed his career Kendall was named to the all-time Black College football team. Kendall then became an educator serving as a high school principal and coach.

Career Highlights

• 1936 First Team All-America (HBCU)
• 1935 First Team All-America (HBCU)
• 1934 First Team All-America (HBCU