See Thorpe , James Francis ( 1888 -- 1953 ) , OKLA .
In addition to Red Grange , another one of the earliest college football players to gain national celebrity status was Jim Thorpe , a Native American who excelled at football , baseball , and Olympics competition .
See Jim Thorpe , James Francis ( 1888 -- 1953 ) , OKLA .
In addition to Red Grange , another one of the earliest college football players to gain national celebrity status was Jim Thorpe , a Native American who excelled at football , baseball , and Olympics competition .