James Parrish

Template:Short description Template:About Template:Use mdy dates Template:Infobox NFL biography James Herbert Parrish Jr. (May 19, 1968 – March 10, 2004) was an American professional football offensive tackle in the National Football League for the Miami Dolphins, San Francisco 49ers, Indianapolis Colts, Dallas Cowboys, Pittsburgh Steelers, New York Jets and Chicago Bears. He also was a member of the London Monarchs and the Barcelona Dragons in the World League of American Football. He played college football at Temple University.

Early years

Parrish attended Dundalk High School, where he was a two-way player, earning All-county honors at tight end as a senior. He also practiced basketball and track.

He accepted a football scholarship from Temple University and played under future NFL head coach Bruce Arians .<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> He was originally a tight end, before being converted into an offensive tackle as a sophomore.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> He became a starter at right tackle as a junior.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Professional career

Miami Dolphins

Parrish was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Miami Dolphins after the 1991 NFL draft on April 30, with the intention of playing him at guard.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> On August 20, he was placed on the Physically unable to perform list with an injured foot, where he spent all of the season.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

San Diego Chargers

On March 30, 1992, he was signed in Plan B free agency by the San Diego Chargers and was switched to center.<ref>Template:Cite webTemplate:Dead link</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> He was originally allocated to play with the London Monarchs of the World League of American Football, where he appeared in 5 games, before signing on April 22 with the Barcelona Dragons and playing in one contest.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> He was released at end of preseason on August 31.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

San Francisco 49ers (first stint)

On May 3, 1993, he was signed as a free agent by the San Francisco 49ers to play tackle and was cut after the season opener on September 7.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

Indianapolis Colts

On September 9, 1993, he was signed by the Indianapolis Colts to play tackle.<ref>Template:Cite webTemplate:Dead link</ref> He was declared inactive in 4 games. He was released on October 13, after getting into a shouting match with a defensive coach over the injury to a wide receiver in practice.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

San Francisco (second stint)

On November 11, 1993, he was signed to the San Francisco 49ers' practice squad and was released two weeks later on December 1.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Dallas Cowboys (first stint)

On December 7, 1993, he was signed by the Dallas Cowboys to the practice squad. On December 22, he was promoted to the active roster for depth purposes, after Mark Stepnoski was lost for the season with a right knee injury.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> He was declared inactive for Super Bowl XXVIII. He was released on August 17, 1994.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Philadelphia Eagles

On August 23, 1994, he signed with the Philadelphia Eagles. He was released two days later on August 25.

Dallas Cowboys (second stint)

On October 25, 1994, he was signed by the Dallas Cowboys, to provide depth after offensive tackle Erik Williams suffered season-ending injuries in a car accident.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On November 1, he was released after one week to make room for offensive tackle Jerry Reynolds.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Pittsburgh Steelers

On February 22, 1995, he was signed as a free agent with the Pittsburgh Steelers and made the team as a reserve tackle.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On September 24, against the Minnesota Vikings, he had his only career start, while playing left tackle in place of an injured John Jackson.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> He was a part of the team that lost to the Dallas Cowboys in Super Bowl XXX. He was cut on August 25, 1996.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

New York Jets

On August 29, 1996, he signed with the New York Jets to provide depth at tackle after Jumbo Elliott and David Williams were injured.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> He was released on October 8.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

Chicago Bears

On December 4, 1996, he signed with the Chicago Bears.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On August 18, 1997, he was waived with an injury settlement after suffering a torn pectoral muscle.

Montreal Alouettes

On April 1, 1998, the Montreal Alouettes of the Canadian Football League traded linebacker Henry Newby and defensive tackle Juan Hammonds to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats for the CFL's negotiation-list rights to Parrish. On May 26, he was signed by the Alouettes. He was cut before the start of the season.

Kansas City Chiefs

On February 8, 1999, he was signed by the Kansas City Chiefs. He was released on August 31.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

Personal life

Parrish worked for Merrill Lynch and Morgan Stanley after his retirement. A self-taught computer expert, he was one of the first athletes to launch his own website. On March 10, 2004, he died at the age of 35, after battling cancer.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

External links

• Cuts Can Be Cruel Steelers Parrish Knows All About Toughest Day