James Parrish


James Herbert Parrish, Jr. was an American football offensive tackle in the National Football League for the Miami Dolphins, San Francisco 49ers, Indianapolis Colts, Dallas Cowboys, Pittsburgh Steelers, New York Jets and Chicago Bears. He also was a member of the London Monarchs and the Barcelona Dragons in the World League of American Football. He played college football at Temple University.

Early years

Parrish attended Dundalk High School, where he was a two-way player, earning All-county honors at tight end as a senior. He also practiced basketball and track.
He was recruited by future NFL head coach Bruce Arians and accepted a football scholarship from Temple University. He was originally a tight end, before being converted into an offensive tackle as a sophomore. He became a starter at right tackle as a junior.

Professional career

Miami Dolphins

Parrish was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Miami Dolphins after the 1991 NFL Draft, with the intention of playing him at guard. On August 20, he was placed on the Physically unable to perform list with an injured foot, where he spent all of the season.

San Diego Chargers

In 1992, he was signed in Plan B free agency by the San Diego Chargers and was switched to center. He was originally allocated to play with the London Monarchs of the World League of American Football, where he appeared in 5 games, before signing on April 22 with the Barcelona Dragons and playing in one contest. He was released at end of preseason on August 31.

San Francisco 49ers (first stint)

On May 3, 1993, he was signed as a free agent by the San Francisco 49ers to play tackle and was cut after the season opener on September 7.

Indianapolis Colts

On September 9, 1993, he was signed by the Indianapolis Colts to play tackle. He was declared inactive in 4 games. He was released on October 13, after getting into a shouting match with a defensive coach over the injury to a wide receiver in practice.

San Francisco (second stint)

On November 11, 1993, he was signed to the San Francisco 49ers' practice squad and was released two weeks later on December 1.

Dallas Cowboys (first stint)

On December 7, 1993, he was signed by the Dallas Cowboys to the practice squad. On December 22, he was promoted to the active roster for depth purposes, after Mark Stepnoski was lost for the season with a right knee injury. He declared inactive for Super Bowl XXVIII. He was released on August 17, 1994.

Philadelphia Eagles

August 23, 1994, he signed with the Philadelphia Eagles and was released two days later.

Dallas Cowboys (second stint)

In October 1994, he was signed by the Dallas Cowboys and released after one week.

Pittsburgh Steelers

In 1995, he was signed as a free agent with the Pittsburgh Steelers and made the team as a reserve tackle. On September 24, against the Minnesota Vikings, he had his only career start, while playing left tackle in place of an injured John Jackson. He was a part of the team that lost to the Dallas Cowboys in Super Bowl XXX. He was cut on August 25, 1996.

New York Jets

On August 29, 1996, he signed with the New York Jets to provide depth at tackle after Jumbo Elliott and David Williams were injured. He was released on October 8.

Chicago Bears

In 1996, he signed with the Chicago Bears. On August 18, 1997, he was waived with an injury settlement after suffering a torn pectoral muscle.

Montreal Alouettes

On April 1, 1998, the Montreal Alouettes of the Canadian Football League traded linebacker Henry Newby and defensive tackle Juan Hammonds to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats for the CFL's negotiation-list rights to Parrish. On May 26, he was signed by the Alouettes. He was cut before the start of the season.

Kansas City Chiefs

In 1999, he was signed by the Kansas City Chiefs. He was released on August 31.

Personal life

Parrish worked for Merrill Lynch and Morgan Stanley after his retirement. A self-taught computer expert, he was one of the first athletes to launch his own website. He died of cancer, and is survived by his wife, their two children, his mother and stepfather.