Football's First Fatality

November 15, 1914 - Harry Turner was one of the most popular players for the Canton Professionals, a pre-NFL football team. As Captain of the Professionals, Harry was passionate about the team’s rivalry with the Akron Indians, and he had a special dislike for the quarterback of the Indians, Peggy Parrat. It was on this day that the two teams squared off for what would be Harry’s final game.

While Harry was making a tackle on Joe Collins, he suffered a severe injury and his spine was severed. Canton would go on to win the game, but Harry was dying.

According to Jack Cusack, the Canton Manager, Harry’s last words were, “I know I must go, but I’m satisfied, for we beat Peggy Parrat.”