Former NFL running back Jerry Latin passed away on February 19, 2025, at age 71. A Rockford native, Latin played four seasons in the NFL.
Latin excelled in baseball, basketball, and track and field, but football was his favorite sport. He graduated from Rockford East High School and later enrolled at Northern Illinois University.
Jerry moved with his family to Rockford at a young age and became an influential figure in his community.
St. Louis Cardinals drafted Jerry as the 11th-round pick and stayed with the side between 1975 and 1978.
He played one season with the Los Angeles Rams before he retired from the sport.
Latin played 51 games during his NFL career. The running back carried the ball 140 times for 560 yards and scored four touchdowns.
After retiring, Latin returned to Rockford and played two seasons of minor league football.
He coached youth, worked for the city, and also played golf.
Jerry promoted golf in the Black community for decades as a key Rockford Sportsman’s Golf Association member, which ran the Ballard tournament for over 50 years.
Former Teammates Recall Their Stories About Jerry Latin
After hearing the news of his passing, his former teammates have shared their stories about Jerry Latin.
Rockford’s local sports historian, Alex Gray, said,
Jerry was just a good, quiet guy. He was never a braggart. He never boasted about anything. Just performed on the field baby. He was the big name in local sports for 20 years here.
via: Rockford Register Star
Jerry’s close friend and Boylan’s quarterback in 1970, Tim Groeninger, said, “He was the most gifted athlete of that era.
He did things so smooth and easy. He never looked like he was working hard–but you know he was.”
Groeninger continued, “He could accelerate very, very quickly. He had unbelievable wrists; he could turn on the baseball. And in the center field, he got to every ball that was that.“
On social media, several of Jerry’s friends and family have come forward to share their stories about Jerry Latin.
Sharing a group photo, John B. Newson Jr. wrote, “We thank God for the life Jerry Latin. Condolences to the family.
Yes, we have full confidence, and we would rather be away from these earthly bodies, for then we will be at home with the Lord. 2 Cor. 5:8.”
Jerry Latin’s Son Jeremy Latin Shares The News of His Father’s Demise On His Facebook Handle
On February 19, 2025, Jerry Latin’s son, Jeremy Latin, shared the news of his father’s demise on his Facebook handle.
In a heartbreaking post, Jeremy Latin shared a throwback picture of his father playing with the St. Louis Cardinals and wrote, “Sorry, I couldn’t home in time Dad. I will miss and love you.”
Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts Scottsdale’s graduate, Jeremy Latin is an Executive Sous Chef at Winter Park Resort.
He has previously worked as a line cook at Devil’s Thumb Ranch Resort & Spa.
Like his father, Jeremy loves golf, and a few of his Facebook posts show that.
Previously, Jeremy had shared an article on the Top 25 Public Golf Courses in the US and said Pole Creek Golf Cub was his favorite course.
He has shared a few pictures of his cooking on his Facebook handle and several pictures of him skiing.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Jerry Latin was crucial in organizing the Ballard tournament, which raised over $100,000 for scholarships for Black Golfers.
- Jerry Latin was the first 2000-yard rusher in NIC-10 history. He was named the No.8 greatest football player in Rockford history by the Rockford Register Star.
