Summary
Frank Claud "Tex" Coker (March 18, 1911 – September 11, 1991) was an American football center. He played four seasons for the Wilmington Clippers of the American Association (AA).
| No. 33, 44, 58 | |
|---|---|
| Position: | Center |
| Personal information | |
| Born: | March 18, 1911 San Angelo, Texas, U.S. |
| Died: | September 11, 1991 (aged 80) Texas, U.S. |
| Height: | 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) |
| Weight: | 225 lb (102 kg) |
| Career information | |
| College: | Daniel Baker |
| Career history | |
| |
| * Offseason and/or practice squad member only | |
| Career highlights and awards | |
| |
| Military career | |
| Nickname(s) | "Tex" |
| Buried | Paint Rock Cemetery |
| Allegiance | Texas National Guard (1940) United States Army (1941–?) |
| Years of service | 1940–? |
| Rank | Major |
| Battles/wars | World War II Invasion of Italy |
| Awards |  Purple HeartOak leaf clusters (2) |
Early life and education edit
Frank Coker was born on March 18, 1911, in San Angelo, Texas. He played college football at Daniel Baker College. He was there from 1933 to 1936 before playing professionally.[1]
Professional career edit
Coker was first signed as an undrafted free agent by the Philadelphia Eagles following the 1937 NFL Draft. He did not make the roster and was then sent to their new farm team, the Wilmington Clippers.[2] In his first season with the Clippers, he played and started all 11 games at the center position.[1] He also started every game in 1938 as well.[1] He changed his number from 33 to 44 in 1939 as the Clippers joined the American Association. He played in 13 games in '39, starting 10, and was named All-AA.[3] He started 9 games in 1940 before being called to the Texas National Guard and later the United States Army in World War II.[4] He was the first Clipper called to service.[5]
Military career edit
In 1941, he was called to the United States Army in World War II. He was seriously injured after the Invasion of Italy[6][7] and was then awarded the Purple Heart and two Oak leaf clusters. He achieved the rank of Major in 1945.[8]
Death edit
Coker died on September 11, 1991, at the age of 80 in Texas. He was buried at Paint Rock Cemetery.
References edit
- ^ a b c "Frank Coker Stats - Pro Football Archives". www.profootballarchives.com.
- ^ "Texans to End Grid Play Here". The News Journal. December 3, 1937 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Wilmington Players Rule All-American Association Eleven. Four Clippers Get First Team Places". The News Journal. December 22, 1939 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Coker, Clippers' Veteran, Called to Colors". The News Journal. November 20, 1940 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ Whitehead, Don (July 13, 1943). "Tex Coker Conditioned Yanks For Smash on Sicily Line". The News Journal – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Coker, Former Clipper Star, Recovering From War Wounds". The News Journal. November 16, 1943 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "TEX COKER, GRID STAR, WOUNDED". The Morning News. November 17, 1943 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Tex Coker Now Major in Army". The Morning News. November 7, 1945 – via Newspapers.com.
External links edit
- Frank Coker at Find a Grave