I was bidding heavy on this one…and still lost. If anyone has any signed Thorpe items…I’m interested!

Jim Thorpe is widely considered one of the greatest all-around athletes in history. His career highlights span multiple sports and include both Olympic glory and professional success in football, baseball, and basketball.

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Olympic Achievements (1912 Stockholm Games)

• Gold Medalist in Decathlon and Pentathlon

  • Thorpe dominated the field, winning the pentathlon by placing first in 4 of 5 events.

  • In the decathlon, he scored 8,412.955 points (under old scoring system), a record that stood for decades.

  • King Gustav V of Sweden reportedly said, “You, sir, are the greatest athlete in the world.”.

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Football Career (College and Pro)

• College Football at Carlisle Indian Industrial School

  • Coached by Pop Warner.

  • In 1911–1912, led Carlisle to victories over powerhouses like Harvard and Army.

  • Known for remarkable runs, kicking, and defense.

• Professional Football Career

  • Played from 1915–1928 in early pro football leagues.

  • Became first president of the American Professional Football Association in 1920 (which later became the NFL).

  • Played for teams like the Canton Bulldogs, Oorang Indians, and Chicago Cardinals.

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Professional Baseball Career

• Played Major League Baseball from 1913 to 1919.

• Teams included:

  • New York Giants

  • Cincinnati Reds

  • Boston Braves

• Career MLB stats:

  • .252 batting average

  • Known more for his athleticism than statistical dominance.

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Basketball Career

• Played on barnstorming teams in the 1920s, including an all-Native American team.

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Legacy & Honors

• Named Greatest Athlete of the First Half of the 20th Century by the Associated Press (1950).

• Charter inductee into the Pro Football Hall of Fame (1963).

• Inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.