Henry Carr: Olympic Champion and NFL Athlete
Henry Carr was a remarkable athlete who excelled in both track and field and professional football. A two-time Olympic gold medalist at the 1964 Tokyo Games, Carr later enjoyed a career as a safety in the National Football League. His story is one of exceptional versatility, and dedication.
Early Life and Track & Field Success
Born November 27, 1941, in Montgomery, Alabama, Carr moved to Detroit, Michigan, with his family at a young age. He quickly established himself as a talented sprinter, becoming a state champion even as attending Northwestern High School in Detroit, posting a 100-yard time of 9.3 seconds.
Carr continued his athletic journey at Arizona State University (ASU), where he achieved significant success. He won three national titles while competing for the ASU Sun Devils, setting world records in the 220-yard dash and as a member of the 4 × 440-yard relay team. In 1963, he won the NCAA title at 200 meters in 20.5 seconds and tied for the USA title in the same event.
Carr’s record-breaking performances continued into 1964. He set a world record of 20.2 seconds for the furlong, improving upon his previous record of 20.3 seconds set in 1963.
Olympic Glory at Tokyo 1964
The pinnacle of Carr’s track career came at the 1964 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, Japan. He won gold medals in both the 200-meter sprint, setting a novel Olympic record of 20.3 seconds, and as a member of the 4 × 400-meter relay team, which finished in a world record time of 3:00.7, with Carr running a 44.5-second anchor leg.
In two seasons (1963-64), Carr lost only two races at 200m/220y.
Professional Football Career
Following his Olympic success, Carr pursued a career in professional football. He was drafted by both the New York Giants in the fourth round of the 1965 NFL Draft and in the third round of the 1965 AFL Draft. He ultimately signed with the New York Giants, where he played as a defensive back from 1965 through 1967.
Later Life and Ministry
After retiring from athletics, Carr became a devout Christian and dedicated his life to religious service, working as a lay preacher as a Jehovah’s Witness.
Henry Carr passed away on May 29, 2015, at the age of 73 in Griffin, Georgia.
Personal Bests
- 100 yards – 9.3 (1963)
- 100 meters – 10.2 (1964)
- 200 meters – 20.1 (1964)
- 400 meters – 45.4 (1963)