He sought avenues of expressing his youthful frustrations and of defying the conventions of the 1950's, finding solace in strict dietary regimens, weight lifting, and the writings of mystics and Eastern, Indian holy men.
Devastatingly handsome, alternately charming and grotesque, Joe Don Looney fiercely pursued development of his physical gifts as an athlete until his potential for greatness caught the eye of the nayion's football elite.
But his latent craving for unconditional love remained unfulfilled.
He actively challenged--becoming legendary in the process--the disciplined paramilitary world of Bud Wilkinson's football dynasty at the University of Oklahoma that had already made him a football star of national dimension.
In 1963, Looney led the nation in punting average and garnered All American honors as a halfback for the SOONERS.
But the hypocrisy of it all burned within him and he was dismissed in mid season after a crushing loss.
His bizarre defiance of authority was however continually balanced by coaches against his potential and their eagerness to win at all costs.
This balancing act continued through 5 professional football teams after Joe Don became the first round draft choice of the New York Giants.
There were spectacular flashes of brilliance on the field, but tragically, he found no real peace off the field, experiencing a troubling tour of Viet Nam, a failed marriage, and drug experimentation.
From the dust cover of J. Brent Clark's book 3RD DOWN & FOREVER. Joe Don Looney & the Rise & Fall of an American Hero -My highest recommendation!!!
...When I was 8 years old, 3rd grade, I became a lifelong fan of the OKLAHOMA SOONERS Football program.
It was Bud Wilkinson's last hurrah.
OKLAHOMA was 8-2 overall and 7-0 in the Big 8 conf. and all I heard older boys and men talking about was Joe Don Looney.
In September 1962, Joe Don had not his stride at OU.
First game was with Srycuse. I listened to it on the radio that was static-cy and fuzzy.
Remember the final game of 1962 was with OwussU.
OU won 37-6.
Joe Don rushed for 101 yds & scored on a pass reception.
He led the nation in punting average at 43.4 yds.
He was 5th in the nation in rushing with 852 yds & 6.2 yds. per carry.
Was even named to an All American team if memory serves.
But, the name Looney was heard repeatedly by a young kid with excitement at my first inkling of how much, how important SOONER Football was to seemingly everyone in OKLAHOMA.
From that 1962 season, to this very day... SOONER Football has been a passionate indulgence I allow myself and will to the day I pass away.
My first rudimentary understanding of what fun there is in a spectator sport.
Again, let me encourage anyone who has not read 3RD Down & Forever to DO IT! The Introduction is by the KING. Some revealing information about Wilkinson near the end, before his entry into politics
"JOE DON LOONEY!" Born 10 OCT. 1942--Died 24 Sept. 1988--(The Boz was the current SOONER bad boy!)
R.I.P.
My very first football hero. Probably says a lot about me!
& fame. America was a whole different place then. 
Fly 