John Stephens (1989) - Marshall Athletics Hall of Fame

John Stephens

Induction:
1989
Class:
1937

Despite not playing football as a high school student in Parkersburg, W.Va., Johnny Stephens was convinced to try out at Marshall in 1934 by Coach Tom Dandelet, and then blossomed when Cam Henderson took over the following season. Possessing a great combination of size and speed as a 6-foot-1, 190-pounder – a large man for that time – Stephens played end and halfback for Henderson’s teams and was said to have the best hands on the squad. Over the course of his career, the Marshall record improved each season, from 3-6 in 1934 to 4-6, 6-3-1, and then to a 9-0-1 record and Buckeye Intercollegiate Conference title for his senior season in 1937. After graduating from Marshall, Stephens played one season for the NFL’s Cleveland Rams, catching six passes for 75 yards as a rookie in 1938. Stephens eventually worked in the petroleum industry in Texas and became a football official in the Southwest Conference. He was inducted into the Marshall Athletic Hall of Fame in 1989.