Hall of Fame

John Merritt

  • Class
  • Induction
    2001
  • Sport(s)
    Football , Administration
  • Jackson State
Early life & playing background
  • Merritt was born January 26, 1926, in Falmouth, Kentucky.
  • He played college football as a guard at Kentucky State University from 1947 to 1949.
  • After his playing days, he earned a master’s degree from University of Kentucky in 1952.
Coaching career at Jackson State
  • Merritt became the head coach of Jackson State in 1952 (or 1953, depending on source) and served through 1962.
  • During his tenure at JSU, his record was about 63-37-5 (or similar, as records differ slightly) under his head coaching.
  • Highlight achievements:
    • Won the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) in 1961 and 1962.
    • Led JSU to the 1962 Black College National Championship by defeating Florida A&M University in the Orange Blossom Classic.
  • His impact at Jackson State is often described as foundational: he “ushered in an era of Jackson State football” according to JSU staff