Joe Perry, football star of the 1950s and first African American MVP, dies at 84

Joe Perry, 84, one of the first African American stars of professional football, whose superb running for the San Francisco 49ers in the 1950s led him to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, died April 25 in Tempe, Ariz. He had dementia.

Mr. Perry, nicknamed “the Jet” for his power and explosive speed, was among the most dominating and electrifying runners of his time. When he led the National Football League in rushing in 1953 and 1954, he was the first player to gain 1,000 yards in consecutive seasons.

In 1954, he became the first African American to be named the NFL’s most valuable player, and he held the NFL’s career rushing record for five years.

At 6 feet and about 200 pounds, Mr. Perry was small for a fullback, even during his era. When he didn’t elude tacklers with his quickness and balance, he simply bowled them over with sheer strength.

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