Jesse Penn

Jesse Andrew Penn II (born September 6, 1962) is a former professional American football linebacker in the National Football League. He was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the second round (44th overall) of the 1985 NFL Draft. He graduated from Virginia Tech.

Early years

He attended Martinsville High School where he was a multi-sports athlete. He accepted a scholarship to Virginia Tech, where he was one of the leaders on defense, while playing at defensive end. He played on the same defensive line as future hall of famer Bruce Smith.

As a senior he participated in the Blue–Gray Football Classic.^[1]

Professional career

Penn was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the second round of the 1985 NFL Draft.^[2] He was drafted as an outside linebacker. As a rookie he had the highlight of his career, when he returned an interception for a 78 yards touchdown against the Green Bay Packers.^[3]

In the 1988 offseason he was diagnosed with a degenerative spinal condition, that forced him to retire.^[4] During his time with the Cowboys he was a reserve player.

References