Football is one of the most popular sports in the USA and has become a staple of American culture. Even former Presidents have played college football in the NCAA’s 150-year history, with others actively involved in shaping the game with active participation in regulations. How many Presidents played college football, and who were they?
Gerald Ford, John F. Kennedy Headline Presidents Who Played College Football
In total, five Presidents of the United States played at various levels of college football before assuming the role.
Gerald Ford
Gerald Ford played for the Michigan Wolverines from 1932 to 1934 as a backup center behind All-American Charles Bernard. Ford was a part of Michigan’s back-to-back national championship-winning teams.
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In 1934, he was given the starting center job and was named team MVP for his play. In 1978, Ford was inducted into Michigan’s Hall of Honor.
John F. Kennedy
John F. Kennedy played wide receiver for the Harvard Crimson after transferring from Princeton University. He was on the 1963 varsity roster, which went 5-2-2. Kennedy was undersized at receiver, but he maintained his enjoyment of football long after his college career.
Ronald Regan
Ronald Regan was connected to college football, not just through playing. He famously played the role of Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back George Gipp in the 1940 film “Knute Rockne All American”. As for his playing career, he was a starting guard for Eureka College until his graduation in 1932.
Dwight E. Eisenhower
Dwight E. Eisenhower played both linebacker and running back for the US Military Academy at West Point. Eisenhower famously played against Olympic athlete, baseball player and Pro Football Hall of Famer Jim Thorpe. Eisenhower’s playing days were cut short due to a knee injury but he would continue to play a role in football by coaching the Army Black Knights’ junior varsity football team.
Richard Nixon
Richard Nixon played tackle for Whittier College from 1932-1934.
Nixon was never a starter during his time at Whittier and although his college career was mostly obscure, he remained a passionate fan of Whittier football even into his presidency.
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