8 Things You Didn't Know About JBL
3. He Played His Last Two College Football Games With A Broken Leg
Before spending the autumn of 1990 with the Los Angeles Raiders and eventually settling for a career as the San Antonio Rider's offensive tackle in the lesser lights of the World League of American Football, JBL was an accomplished collegiate footballer.
Like many a young'un in the Abilene area of West Texas, little John idolised the local university's football team, and even once had the honour of leading the players out, helmet in hand. Eventually, he enjoyed the even greater privelege of pulling on the colours of Abilene Christian University's gridiron squad.
In his senior year - and final season - an opposing helmet to his ankle resulted in a nasty leg break, which would have ruled most mortals out for the remainder of the season. Not big John though, who simply taped the boo-boo up and carried on. Did he sit out the last match? Not a chance! Coincidentally, he later abandoned his football dreams through injury.
His tenacity paid off though; in 2005 JBL was inducted into an all-time ACU squad celebrating the institute's centenary.