J. M. Forgey was employed as a football team trainer in approximately 1910. When Robert Neyland became head coach in 1926, he obtained a team physician and an expert trainer (Mickey O’Brien) who took over part of Forgey’s duties, and Forgey continued his work in rubbing down players and assisting with training activities until his death in 1942. The Athletics Department lists him as assistant trainer, 1926–42.
Forgey, an African American, was unable to speak, but was seldom not understood. A great entertainer, he performed remarkable pantomimes of General Neyland as he stroked his chin or of Colonel Parker walking in military fashion down the sideline. Forgey was reputed to take along 11 rabbits’ feet when he traveled with the team—one for every player on the field. He was killed in an automobile accident in 1942.