John H. "Johnny" Baker III (1987) - Hall of Fame

John H. "Johnny" Baker III

Induction:
1987
Class:
1962

John H. “Johnny” Baker is one of Mississippi State’s all-time great ends. He lettered for the Bulldogs in 1960-62 before the Houston Oilers drafted him in the 1962 draft.

Baker had an outstanding career at MSU, where he earned SEC honors all three years, made the SEC freshman team, and the Coaches’ All-American Team. He also participated in the Blue-Gray Game and the Senior Bowl, where he was named Co-Captain in both appearances. He played in the East Squad Coaches’ All-American Game and was a member of the College All-Star team as well.

He caught a pair of passes to lead the South to a victory in the Senior Bowl and was the school’s all-time receiver when he left Mississippi State. He was named Mr. MSU while at the University, as well as being president of the Baptist Student Union.

The Houston Oilers drafted him in 1962, where he spent the majority of his career. He played for the Oilers for five years before getting traded to the San Diego Chargers, where he spent the last two years of his career.

After college, Baker received the Silver Anniversary Award, an NCAA Award for not only stellar athletic performance, but outstanding career performance after graduation. He was inducted into the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame in 1987 as well.