Joseph Peter Kennedy (15 November 1925 – 17 September 1986) was an English professional footballer who played at centre half for the majority of his career, virtually all of which was spent at West Bromwich Albion.
In 1952 the Birmingham Mail claimed that Kennedy was the highest paid footballer in the country, due to him receiving maximum club wages, regular win bonuses and various representative honours.
However, he was called upon to replace the injured right-back Stan Rickaby for the 1954 FA Cup Final against Preston North End, which Albion won 3–2.
In all he made 397 appearances for West Bromwich Albion, scoring four goals, before joining Chester on a free transfer in June 1961.
[6] Albion club historian Tony Matthews meanwhile has described Kennedy as being "steady, totally reliable, consistent, superb in the air, sure and sound on the ground.
"[2] Whilst at Albion, Kennedy quickly earned the nickname "Spring-heeled Joe" because of his ability to jump for high balls.