Joe Guyon
Inducted:
1966
Player Stats
5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)
190 lb (86 kg)
Born:
November 26, 1892
White Earth, Minnesota, U.S.
Died:
November 27, 1971
Louisville, Kentucky, U.S.
Position:
Tackle
Halfback
College:
Georgia Tech
Joe Guyon was one of the NFL’s earliest stars, remembered for his versatility, toughness, and groundbreaking impact as a Native American athlete. A teammate of the legendary Jim Thorpe at Carlisle Indian School, Guyon carried his winning spirit into professional football, where he excelled as both a halfback and tackle.
Known for his speed, powerful running, and ability to play multiple positions, he was a key contributor during the league’s formative years. Guyon played for several teams, including the Canton Bulldogs, Cleveland Indians, Kansas City Cowboys, and New York Giants, helping the Bulldogs capture the 1920 championship and later guiding the Giants to success.
His athleticism extended beyond football, as he also played professional baseball, making him one of the rare multi-sport athletes of his era. Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1966, Guyon’s legacy as a pioneering figure and versatile playmaker remains firmly embedded in the history of professional football.
Guyon's Awards and Honors
- NFL Champion (1927, New York Giants)
- College Football National Champion (1912, Carlisle)
- Inducted into Pro Football Hall of Fame (1966)
- Member of the Native American Sports Hall of Fame
NFL Records
- Among the first Native American players in NFL history
- One of the earliest multi-sport professional athletes (NFL and MLB)
NFL Teams
Canton Bulldogs (1919–1920)
Washington Senators (1921)
Union Quakers of Philadelphia (1921)
Cleveland Indians (1921)
Oorang Indians (1922–1923)
Rock Island Independents (1924)
Kansas City Cowboys (1925)
New York Giants (1927)
Number Worn:
27, 11, 10, 26
NFL Stats
Seasons:
7 (1919–1927)
Games Played:
46
Game Started:
33
Touchdowns:
1
NFL Championships:
1 (1927)