Joe Sutton

Joe Sutton (April 26, 1924 – November 12, 2012) was an American professional football defensive back and fullback who played in the All-America Football Conference (AAFC) and National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Temple.

Early life

Sutton was born and grew up in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and attended Northeast Catholic High School. He helped the Northeast Catholic win the City title in 1942. Sutton joined in the US Army during WWII following graduation.

College career

Sutton was selected to play for the Third Army's all-star football team while his unit was taking part in the Occupation of Germany. After his discharge from the Army, Sutton enrolled at Temple University and played football for one season in 1946. Sutton scored the Owls only touchdown in his first collegiate game, a 7–7 tie with SMU on September 27, 1946.

Professional career

Sutton was signed by the Buffalo Bills of the All-America Football Conference (AAFC) in 1949 after attending a tryout for the team. He originally expected to be cut but made the team after scoring four touchdowns in an exhibition match against the Jersey City Giants of the minor league American Association. He primarily played running back and rushed nine times for 63 yards and caught five passes for 63 yards and one touchdown. His lone touchdown was a 21-yard reception in a 51–7 loss to the San Francisco 49ers. After the league folded he was selected in the fifth round of the 1950 AAFC dispersal draft by the Philadelphia Eagles. He moved to defensive back and set a team record with eight interceptions in his first season with the team and had a three-interception game on September 24, 1950, against the Chicago Cardinals. Sutton played three seasons with the Eagles and intercepted 13 passes.