John N. Prassas (1989) - Hall of Fame - Brown University Athletics

John N. Prassas

Induction:
1989
Class:
1981

John N. Prassas '81
Hometown: Palos Verdes Estates, CA
Sport: Football
Year Inducted: 1989

An athlete's individual success is often measured by the quantity of honors, trophies, plaques and publicity. The success of a team, however, often depends on the "unsung hero" - the player who sometimes goes unnoticed but takes the field each and every day with only one objective, to win. Brown's John Prassas was just such an athlete. A three year starter at linebacker for the Brown football team, Prassas' teams amassed a record of 18-10-0. In his three years with varsity, the Bears never lost to Princeton, Cornell or Columbia. An extremely coachable player, he impressed opponents with his size, speed and desire. Above all, his unselfishness and commitment to team play was exemplary. At the end of his junior year he received the Kilgore MacFarlane Award, given to "that football player from a western state who best exhibits team leadership." As a senior, Prassas recorded 118 tackles, including 11 sacks, and one interception. That same year he received the Charles E. Young-Hillhouse Award given annually to the team's "unsung hero." Following graduation, Prassas played for the Calgary Stampeders of the CFL for two years. John, a magazine publisher, lives in Palos Verdes Estates, California with his wife Suzi and their two children, Christina and A.J.