Celebrating a Legend on John A. Merritt Boulevard: The Tennessee State University John Merritt Classic

Since 1999, the John Merritt Classic has stood as a powerful tribute to John Ayers Merritt, an iconic figure in the history of Tennessee State University (TSU) and college football. For those familiar with the rich tapestry of college football, the name John Merritt resonates with greatness. It was this very greatness that Tennessee State University sought to honor when establishing an annual football classic at what was formerly known as Adelphia Coliseum, now Nissan Stadium, located not far from Tennessee State University on John A. Merritt Boulevard in Nashville, TN.

Coach Merritt’s impact was nothing short of revolutionary. During his illustrious career, he not only dominated the sport but also redefined the game itself. In 1963, Tennessee State University welcomed Merritt as its 14th head football coach, a pivotal moment that would usher in an era of unprecedented success. Over two decades, Coach Merritt led the TSU Tigers to an astounding record, amassing over 170 victories. His tenure is marked by remarkable achievements: four undefeated seasons, six national championships, and four coveted black college football titles.

Merritt’s success was not solely his own. He cultivated an exceptional team both on and off the field. Alongside a dedicated staff of assistant coaches, including Joe Gilliam Sr. and Alvin Coleman Sr., who joined him from Jackson State in 1963, Merritt implemented a dynamic, pro-style “T” offense characterized by multiple formations. This innovative approach quickly set his teams apart. In 1967, Merritt’s defensive strategies were nationally recognized when his team achieved a record for allowing a mere 2.15 yards per carry to opponents. The following year, he was rightfully named Coach of the Year.

The accolades continued to pour in. In 1975, Merritt’s team earned both the Associated Press and the United Press International small college championships. By 1979, his record stood at an impressive 130-25-5. Despite the mounting praise, Merritt remained humble, often attributing his team’s success to divine favor. However, the undeniable truth was that with each victory and each player he sent to the National Football League, John Merritt elevated not only Tennessee State University’s football program but also the university’s national profile. This culminated in a remarkable moment in 1980 when President Jimmy Carter personally called to congratulate Merritt on his 200th career win.

The city of Nashville further cemented his legacy in 1982 by renaming Centennial Boulevard, between Twenty-eighth and Forty-fourth Avenues, John A. Merritt Boulevard in his honor, a prominent thoroughfare near Tennessee State University in Nashville, TN. By this time, Merritt was facing health challenges, but his commitment to TSU remained unwavering. From 1963 until his resignation in 1983, Merritt’s record at TSU was an exceptional 172-33-7, and his overall career record stood at 232-65-11. His contributions were further recognized posthumously with an induction into the National College Football Hall of Fame on December 6, 1994.

Throughout his career, Coach John Merritt transformed the Tennessee State University football program into a powerhouse, developing numerous NFL stars, including “Jefferson Street” Joe Gilliam (Pittsburgh Steelers), Richard Dent (Chicago Bears), Ed “Too Tall” Jones (Dallas Cowboys), and Claude Humphrey (Philadelphia Eagles), among many others. The John Merritt Classic not only celebrates his extraordinary legacy but also continues to be a significant event for Tennessee State University, located on John A. Merritt Boulevard in Nashville, TN, and the wider community.

TSU in the JOHN MERRITT CLASSIC (16-7)