John M. Garlington (June 5, 1946 – February 10, 2000) was an American football linebacker who played in the National Football League (NFL). He played professionally for the Cleveland Browns.

John Garlington
No. 50
Born:June 5, 1946
Jonesboro, Jackson Parish
Louisiana, U.S.
Died:February 10, 2000(2000-02-10) (aged 53)
Mill Creek, Louisiana, U.S.
Career information
Position(s)Linebacker
CollegeLouisiana State
NFL draft1968, round: 2, pick: 47
Career history
As player
1968–1977Cleveland Browns
Career highlights and awards
John Garlington
Other namesBig John
Police career
DepartmentLouisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries - Enforcement Division
Service years1986 - February 10, 2000
Rank1986 - commissioned as Wildlife Agent
1998 - promoted to Captain

Early life

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Garlington was born in Jonesboro, Louisiana and graduated from Jonesboro-Hodge High School in Jonesboro. in 1964.[1] He was a star college athlete at Louisiana State University. At LSU, he was a 1967 Kodak/American Football Coaches Association All-American pick. He was also a First-team All-SEC pick in 1966 by the Associated Press and in 1967 by both the AP and United Press International. He was described as an "Incredible athlete whose talents typified his play and teamwork. Had excellent speed and lateral pursuit. Opponents were timid when it came to attacking his side of the defensive line. Even with his size, he was a speed merchant. In the 1966 Rice encounter, John picked off an errant pass and returned it 42 yards for a touchdown."[2]

Professional career

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Garlington was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the 2nd round (47th overall) of the 1968 NFL/AFL draft.[3] He played ten seasons with the Cleveland Browns, from 1968 until 1977.

Law enforcement career

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After leaving professional football, Garlington worked, from 1986, as a Wildlife Enforcement Agent (game warden) with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries - Enforcement Division. He was promoted to the rank of Captain, in 1998, and was the commander of the department's Region 1 office near Shreveport, Louisiana. Prior to assuming command of Region 1, Garlington held the rank of Sergeant, and was assigned to the department's Statewide Strike Force. Garlington died in the line of duty, from drowning, while investigating a poaching complaint near his home on the Mill Creek Reservoir near Saline, LA in Bienville Parish. He had been on the force for 14 years.[4] Garlington was survived by his wife Karon Garlington, and son Seth Garlington.[5]

He is buried at the Ebenezer Cemetery off Louisiana Highway 508 in Bienville Parish. His son, Jonesboro police officer John Moses Garlington, was interred at this same cemetery in the spring of 1994.

References

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  1. ^ "John Garlington". databaseFootball.com. Archived from the original on October 11, 2012. Retrieved November 26, 2012.
  2. ^ "LesMiles.net: All-Americans". Archived from the original on October 8, 2007. Retrieved November 14, 2007.
  3. ^ "John Garlington". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved November 26, 2012.
  4. ^ "Captain John M. Garlington, Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries". Archived from the original on November 27, 2005. Retrieved November 14, 2007.
  5. ^ "Captain John M. Garlington".
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