Only weighing a mere 195 pounds, John was the smallest brother in the family. He usually played quarterback, a position that called primarily for blocking and tackling ability in the 1920s, and on the offensive line. He was an all-around athlete who even won a medal as all-around champion athlete of the Pennsylvania Railroad. His main competition during those events was his own brothers.
PFRA Research. "Parratt Stays on Top 1914"(PDF). Coffin Corner. Professional Football Researchers Association: 1–3. Archived from the original(PDF) on February 26, 2012.