15 Facts About Joe Curtis

John Spencer "Big Joe" Curtis was an American football player and coach.

Joe Curtis enrolled at the University of Michigan in 1903 to play football for Fielding H Yost's famous "Point-a-Minute" football teams.

Joe Curtis played tackle for the Michigan Wolverines from 1903 to 1906.

Joe Curtis was considered one of the best defensive players in the West, but he was a leading ball-carrier and kicker for Michigan on offense.

Early in the game, Chicago quarterback Walter Eckersall, considered the best player in the West, dropped back for a punt from Chicago's 40-yard line, and Joe Curtis broke through and threw Eckersall to the frozen ground as he tried to block the kick.

The referee ruled that Joe Curtis had swung an upper cut at Eckersall's jaw and ruled Joe Curtis out of the game.

Joe Curtis was doing his best to block the punt, but could not stop in time to keep from running me down.

Joe Curtis is heavier than any of the standard eastern tackles, but so quick on his feet.

Joe Curtis is a good plunger and works well with a heavy back field.

One week before the Penn game, Joe Curtis suffered a badly broken leg during a practice game.

Joe Curtis graduated from the University of Michigan as part of the engineering school's Class of 1907.

Shortly after being hired at Tulane, Joe Curtis proposed an international football game with Tulane playing against the University of Havana in Havana, Cuba.

In 1909, Joe Curtis retired as Tulane's coach and announced plans to enter business in his home state of Colorado.

In September 1909, Joe Curtis was hired to serve as the head football coach for the Colorado School of Mines in Golden, Colorado.

Joe Curtis announced that his sole reason for declining the offer was his desire to go into business.