John Fletcher (lineman)

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John Fletcher
No. 71
Position:Lineman
Personal information
Born: (1965-08-22) August 22, 1965 (age 58)
Uvalde, Texas
Height:6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)
Weight:293 lb (133 kg)
Career information
High school:Foy H. Moody
College:Texas A&I
Undrafted:1987
Career history
 * Offseason and/or practice squad member only

John Williams Fletcher (born August 22, 1965) is a former American football offensive and defensive lineman. He played college football at Texas A&I and later was a member of nine teams in four leagues; he played three games for the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League (NFL) in 1987 as a replacement player.[1][2]

Fletcher attended Foy H. Moody High School where he was used as a blocking tight end.[3] He also played basketball and threw shot put for the track and field team, being named the school's best athlete.[4][5] He committed to play college football for the Texas A&I Javelinas.[5] He played three years for the team as an offensive lineman.[4]

After going unselected in the 1987 NFL Draft, Fletcher was signed by the Cleveland Browns as an undrafted free agent and was moved to defensive lineman, but did not make the team.[6] He signed with the Cincinnati Bengals as a replacement player during the 1987 NFL strike and played three games as a backup offensive guard.[1] He signed with the San Diego Chargers as a defensive lineman in 1988 but did not make the team.[7] He joined the New York Jets in 1989 but was released following a failed physical.[8]

Fletcher moved to the Canadian Football League (CFL) in 1990, spending time with both the Toronto Argonauts and Winnipeg Blue Bombers as a defensive lineman.[9][10] He was drafted by the Montreal Machine of the World League of American Football (WLAF) in 1991 and after being waived by them before the season, joined the San Antonio Riders and played eight games that year on defense, totaling a sack.[10][11][12] From 1992 to 1993, he then played in the Arena Football League (AFL) for the Cleveland Thunderbolts to finish his career.[12]

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b "John Fletcher stats". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved February 22, 2024.
  2. ^ "John Fletcher, G". NFL.com. Retrieved February 22, 2024.
  3. ^ Rowin, Dwight (October 20, 1982). "Big John erases all doubt for the Trojans". Corpus Christi Times. p. 19 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  4. ^ a b Tagliabue, Emil (July 8, 1987). "290-pound Fletcher makes an impression". Corpus Christi Caller-Times. p. 26 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  5. ^ a b "Javelinas sign Fletcher". Corpus Christi Caller-Times. March 13, 1983. p. 57 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  6. ^ Tagliabue, Emil (September 23, 1987). "South Texas pros join picket lines". Corpus Christi Caller-Times. p. 26 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  7. ^ Tagliabue, Emil (February 19, 1988). "A&I, Moody-ex Fletcher signs with Chargers as free agent". Corpus Christi Caller-Times. p. 21 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  8. ^ "Jets' camp intensifies in early going". Press and Sun Bulletin. Associated Press. May 16, 1989. p. 21 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  9. ^ "Bucs sign A&I's Blackmon". Corpus Christi Caller-Times. April 27, 1990. p. 33 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  10. ^ a b Tagliabue, Emil (February 25, 1991). "WLAF opens new chapter for Moody's Fletcher". Corpus Christi Caller-Times. p. 41 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  11. ^ "Fletcher with Riders". Corpus Christi Caller-Times. March 21, 1991. p. 31 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  12. ^ a b "John Fletcher". StatsCrew.com.