John Lewis Hudson was born in Memphis, Tennessee, but grew up in Paris, Tennessee, playing football for the Henry County High School Patriots where he accumulated a litany of recognition.
In his junior year, he was voted to the All-District 10-AAA team. In his senior year, the Patriots went undefeated under his leadership as team captain. John was also AP’s All-State, Wendy’s All-South team, Tennessee-Kentucky All-Star team and Paris Lions Club MVP.
Hudson was recruited by a number of SEC schools, including Alabama, but eventually signed with the Auburn Tigers. “I liked Coach Dye and it was a small town. I liked that it was a small town.” A three-year starter at Auburn, Hudson easily divulges just one fact about his football exploits. “We didn’t lose to Alabama during my four years at Auburn.”
In 1986, Hudson played as a freshman and started at center for the Tigers each of his last three years. Over his four years, Auburn went 39-7-2 and won or shared three Southeastern Conference championships along with a pair of bowl victories.
His senior year he was named to the Coaches All-SEC team and was presented the Ken Rice Award for the Best Blocking Lineman. In 1990, John was selected in the NFL draft by the Philadelphia Eagles and later played for the New York Jets and the Super Bowl XXXV Championship team, the Baltimore Ravens. John serves as a deacon and Sunday school teacher at First Baptist Church in his hometown. He is currently a high school teacher and football coach at his alma mater, Henry County High School in Paris, Tennessee.