24. Joe Perry
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Fletcher Joseph Perry, known to most “Generation X” fans of the NFL as Joe “The Jet” Perry, was the first player in the NFL to rush for 1,000 yards in consecutive seasons, and retired in 1963 as the player with the most rushing yards in league history to date. During his thirteen seasons playing for the San Francisco 49ers, he was named to the Pro Bowl three times and named league MVP in 1954.
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Perry’s stardom also carried some level of cultural significance, as he was the first African-American to be named the NFL’s MVP, and is considered to be of the NFL’s first African American “stars” overall. And to this day, almost 50 years later, he still ranks among the top 35 players in all-time rushing yards.
- Seasons Played: 16
- Pro Bowl Selections: 3x selection
- Hall of Fame: Class of 1969
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