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Glenn Davis

1934–2009 · track and field athlete, hurdler, sprinter, football player

Triple Olympic gold medalist in hurdling who briefly played wide receiver for the Detroit Lions after his track career ended.

Born

Wellsburg, West Virginia
Died

Barberton, Ohio
aged 74
Birth name
Glenn Ashby Davis
Also known as
Jeep
Detroit years
1960–1961
Field
Sports

01 / The Detroit story

The Detroit story

Nicknamed 'Jeep,' Davis won three Olympic gold medals in hurdling and sprinting at the 1956 and 1960 Games, a career that made him one of the most decorated American track athletes of his era. After retiring from athletics he tried professional football, playing wide receiver for the Detroit Lions in the 1960 and 1961 seasons, a brief coda to his athletic career before he settled into a long career as a teacher and coach in Ohio. His Detroit connection was short and his football statistics modest, but it remains a notable footnote for one of track and field's great champions.

Highlights

  1. Won three Olympic gold medals in hurdling and sprinting, 1956 and 1960
  2. Played wide receiver for the Detroit Lions in 1960 and 1961
  3. Later spent 33 years as a teacher and coach in Ohio

02 / Their Detroit places

Their Detroit places 1

Where they lived, worked, performed and liked to hang out. Closed and demolished places stay here too, because they are part of the city's history.

  1. Played here · 1960–1961

    Tiger Stadium

    Demolished · 1912–1999

    The Lions' home field during Davis's brief stint with the team; demolished in 2008–2009.

    2121 Trumbull Ave, Detroit, MI 48216Map ↗Place page →Source ↗