Poplar Bluff’s own ‘Big John’

The Poplar Bluff Museum tell many unknown tales of our community. I want to tell you some of those hidden tales found within the museum walls.

Jimmy Dean recorded a song in 1961 called “Big Bad John.”

“He stood 6-foot-6 and weighing 254,

Kind of broad at the shoulder and narrow at the hip,

And everyone knew ya didn’t give no lip to Big John.”

Very fitting for Poplar Bluff’s football star “Big John” Brown. He graduated Poplar Bluff High School in 1968. John was part of the 1966 undefeated Mules football team. He earned three varsity football letters and was named All-Conference offensive and defensive player for those same three years. John was further named All-State player for two years and All-American for 1967. He was elected captain of the Missouri/Illinois All-Star high school football game.

John didn’t stop when he went to college. He was named an All-American fullback at Fort Scott Junior College. He was signed by the University of Missouri and was a started for the varsity squad for the next three years. He played in the 1970 Orange Bowl and was selected for the Big Eight All-Conference team.

Upon graduation in 1972, John Brown was drafted by the Green Bay Packers. In 1985, he was inducted into the Poplar Bluff Sports Hall of Fame. John has a special exhibit in the Poplar Bluff Museum. Along with his Hall of Fame plaque, John’s famous University of Missouri #89 football jersey is on display. He was, as Jimmy Dean said, “a big, big man, Big John.”

The Museum is handicap accessible and open free of charge Sunday 1-4 p.m. at 1010 Main Street. Tell them Mike sent you.

Mike Shane is a veteran, Poplar Bluff resident and board member for the Poplar Bluff Museum.