John Terry (gridiron football)


John Henry Terry III is a former professional Canadian football offensive tackle in the Canadian Football League for the Toronto Argonauts and Saskatchewan Roughriders. He was named CFL All-Star two times. He played college football at Livingstone College.

Early years

Terry attended Greenwood High School, where he was a standout defensive and offensive tackle. Although he was recruited by major college programs, he chose to go to Division II Johnson C. Smith University because of his grades.
As a sophomore, he was named the starter at left tackle. In 1988, he was forced to redshirt because of academic reasons. In 1989, he did not return to school and spent the year working in his hometown.
In 1990, he transferred to Division II Livingstone College. As a junior, he was a starter at left guard, on an offensive line that also had tight end Ben Coates.
As a senior, he was the starter at left tackle and received All-CIAA honors, while helping sophomore running back Rob Clodfelter lead the conference, and finish seventh in Division II with 137.9 rushing yards per game, plus lead the conference with a total of 14 rushing touchdowns. He never missed a game in his two years at Livingstone College.

Professional career

Dallas Cowboys

Terry was selected in the 10th round of the 1992 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys, with the intention of switching him to offensive guard. He was waived on August 24.

Chicago Bears

On July 9, 1993, he signed with the Chicago Bears. He was cut on August 23.

Toronto Argonauts (CFL)

In 1994, he signed with the Toronto Argonauts. After being released and re-signed on different occasions, he was traded to the Saskatchewan Roughriders in exchange for center Mike Kiselak on April 4, 1996.

Saskatchewan Roughriders (CFL)

Terry played left tackle with the Saskatchewan Roughriders and was named to the CFL All-Star team in 1997 and 1998, even though he missed five games with an injured knee.

Personal life

His cousin Ben Coates was an All-Pro in the NFL with the New England Patriots.