Jon Arnett

Jon Dwane "Jaguar Jon" Arnett (April 20, 1935 – January 16, 2021) was an American professional football player who played halfback in the National Football League. A first-team All-American at the University of Southern California, Arnett was selected in the first round of the 1957 NFL draft, second overall, by the Los Angeles Rams.

Arnett was a prototype of the modern all-purpose back, a game-breaker who excelled on runs from scrimmage, pass receptions, and kick returns. Over ten seasons, he was selected to the Pro Bowl five consecutive times, from 1957 through 1961, before chronic knee pain reduced his effectiveness.

Known to teammates as "The Cat" and to fans and media as "Jaguar Jon," his nicknames were attributed to an unusual sense of balance and body coordination that enabled him to dodge, cut, and slip from tacklers. Arnett attended Manual Arts High School in Los Angeles, where he competed on the school gymnastics team and participated in track and field. He later credited much of his success on the gridiron to his gymnastics background.

Arnett was elected to the College Football Hall of Fame in 2001.