“Jackrabbit” Joe Hernandez
“Jackrabbit” Joe Hernandez graduated from Garces
Memorial High School in 1958. While at Garces,
Joe played football, basketball and ran track. He was
named the 1957 Catholic All American Back of the
Year and was named to the First Team High School
All American Team. He ran the 440 yard dash in
48.6 seconds and was the Valley Champion.
After Garces, Joe attended New Mexico Military
Institute and played on a National Championship
team and was named First Team Collegiate All
American Team. He held the National Rushing
Record of 1,850 yards and his team was voted the
best football team in school history. In 1959, he
came back to Bakersfield and played on the
Bakersfield Junior College team. His team was
National Champions and Junior Rose Bowl
Champions. Joe was voted Honorable Mention
Collegiate All American Team and was the team’s top
receiver and scorer.
From 1960 to 1961, Joe attended the University of Arizona and was the top receiver on the
team. The 1961 team was voted the best team in the school’s 100 year history. He was a
second round draft pick by the Washington Redskins.
While in college, Joe was also a three year letterman in track. He ran the 220 Low Hurdles in
24.0 seconds; long jumped 23 feet, 10 ¼ inches; and was on the 4th fasted 440 relay team in the
United States.
Joe played professional football for the Washington Redskins, Atlanta Falcons, and the
Edmonton Eskimos. He was a two time All Pro Defensive Corner Back and 17th All Time in
CFL Kick Off Returns.
After football, Joe dedicated his life to helping others. He spent ten years counseling inmates in
local and state prisons. He established a softball league for underprivileged children in
Tucson. He established “Jackrabbit Ministries” a 501(c)(3) non profit for the expressed purpose
of Christian Ministry. His ministry has taken him to Eastern Europe, East Africa and Mexico.
Joe has been inducted into three Halls of Fame: University of Arizona, Bob Elias Hall of Fame,
and Pima County Hall of Fame. In June, 2008, he will be honored at the Athletes International
Conference with their “Man of Faith” Award.
Joe has been married to his beautiful wife Mary Ann for 48 years. They have four children –
Jerry, Jeff (wife Anne-Marie), Jon (wife Lori) and Leah (husband Brian) and six grandchildren.