Jodie Connell was born July 21, 1930 in Gadsden, Alabama. All-State guard for Gadsden High School for Coach Nelson. Followed Coach Nelson to Lakeland, Florida in 1948 and made All-State and All-Southern at Lakeland High School. Lost his left arm at the age of 10. Received football scholarship to Jacksonville State University, where he was a four year starter from 1949-1952. Captain of the team in 1952. Also in 1952, he made the Associated Press Little All-American. He is on the All Time Jacksonville State Football Team. Jodie went on to play professional ball with the St. Louis Knights of the Central States Professional Football League, and was on the All-league team. Assistant football coach at Christian Brothers College while a member of the St. Louis Knights. He is deceased.