J. V. Cain, American football player (b. 1951)
James Victor Cain (July 22, 1951 – July 22, 1979) was a tight end in the NFL for the St. Louis Cardinals. Cain played high school football at Booker T. Washington in Houston Texas, before playing college football at Colorado. He was the 7th overall selection in the 1974 NFL Draft. Two years later, he emerged as the full-time starting tight end for the Cardinals.

He died of congenital heart failure, brought out by working out in extreme heat during training camp at Lindenwood College in St. Charles, Missouri on his birthday in 1979.

His number 88 is retired by the Cardinals.