John Frederick Bryan (February 28, 1897 – July 1, 1966) was a professional football player for the Chicago Cardinals, Chicago Bears, and Milwaukee Badgers. He was also a player-coach and franchise owner of the Badgers in 1925 and 1926.

Johnny Bryan
Born:(1897-02-28)February 28, 1897
Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
Died:July 1, 1966(1966-07-01) (aged 69)
Fort Collins, Colorado, U.S.
Career information
Position(s)Fullback, Halfback, Quarterback
Height5 ft 7 in (170 cm)
Weight157 lb (71 kg)
CollegeUniversity of Chicago
Career history
As coach
1925–1926Milwaukee Badgers
As player
1922Chicago Cardinals
1923–1925Chicago Bears
1925–1926Milwaukee Badgers
1926–1927Chicago Bears
As owner
1925–1926Milwaukee Badgers
Career stats

The Badgers franchise was turned over to Bryan after it was discovered that the team had employed four Chicago high school players for game against the Chicago Cardinals that resulted in a 59–0 loss for the Badgers. As a result of the scandal, owner Ambrose McGuirk was forced by NFL President Joe Carr to turn over his franchise to Bryan.[1][2]

Under Bryan, the team did manage to win two games in 1926 due to the arrival of end Lavern Dilweg. However Milwaukee dropped out of the NFL after that season.[3]

References

edit
  1. ^ "Mulkern jilts Grange league". Milwaukee Sentinel. Associated Press. March 18, 1926. p. 10.
  2. ^ Reimann, George (December 3, 1981). "Pro football lived here". Milwaukee Journal. p. 3, part 3.
  3. ^ "Bryan Badgers quit pro league". Milwaukee Sentinel. July 17, 1927. p. 1, section 3.