Hall of Fame
John A. Perkins played football and ran track at JCJC from 1953-55.
He was an all-conference guard in 1953 and an all-state tackle in 1954. He was named Most Valuable Player in the state and was named an All-American. He played on the 1955 JCJC conference championship team that participated in the Junior Rose Bowl.
The Milledgeville, Ga., native graduated from Calhoun High School prior to Jones and then played at Southern Mississippi in 1957-58. He was a member of the undefeated USM team that was named national champions.
Perkins was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 16th round of the 1958 NFL draft, the third player ever by way of Jones. He played in the NFL and AFL in 1959-60.
Perkins is a member of the NJCAA Hall of Fame, the USM Sports Hall of Fame and was named to USM’s All-Century Team. He received the All-American Football Foundation Unsung Hero Award and College Legends Award.
He is married to the former Bette Martin and they have six children, 12 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
