John Sykes (May 13, 1949 – July 8, 2019) was an American professional football running back.
[6] Sykes was selected by the Baltimore Colts in the seventh round of the 1972 NFL draft.
[7] After being cut by the Colts before the regular season started he was signed by the St. Louis Cardinals in September.
[8][9] After not playing in any games for the Cardinals he was cut and then signed by the San Diego Chargers in November 1972 and placed on their taxi squad.
[15][16] After leaving professional football, Sykes became a physical education teacher at his alma mater of Baltimore City College and later at Highlandtown Middle School.