Jack Shapiro

Jack Emanuel "Soapy" Shapiro (March 22, 1907 – February 5, 2001) was a professional football player who played in one game with the Staten Island Stapletons of the National Football League (NFL) in 1929. Shapiro is most famous for being the shortest player in NFL history at 5'0½". His true nickname was "Soupy" not "Soapy" simply because he liked eating soup (the nickname was given by his family). He was featured on the special, NFL Films Presents: One-game Wonders.

Early life

Shapiro was born in New York City in 1907. His parents immigrated to the United States with their four boys and three girls, as well as their niece. Jack was the only one of his family to be born in America. His father and two of his brothers did odd jobs for a living, resulting in earnings of $9.00 a week. His family was of Jewish descent. His father was against Jack playing sports because two of his brothers had broken their legs playing football and soccer. In order to play, Jack forged his father's signature on the injury release form.