I know and love hearing about Jackie Robinson and all the great things he did for African-Americans both as a player and person. However, I have heard of guiys like Marion Motley playing in the NFL, and I'm not sure of dates, but it looks like it may have been before Jackie. Is it true?
2007-08-06 14:49:48 · 4 answers · asked by JAva 3 in Sports ➔ Football (American)
Motley started in the old All American League with Cleveland. Ditto the 49'ers. The league folded in the early 50's and the NFL absorbed the two franchises The NFL had black players on the Rams when they first came to L.A. in 1946 from Cleveland. Kenny Washington was the most notable, but his career was almost over. Baseball had Black players during their very early years, 19th Century. The NBA was the last hold out I believe.
2007-08-06 14:56:25 · answer #1 · answered by bigjohn B 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't think there ever was a color bar in pro football. But in it's early days pro football was anything but "major". College football was more popular than the pros right into the 60s, and plenty of college stars turned down pro contracts after they graduated-for example, Gerald Ford.
Back in Jackie Robison's day, baseball was #1 by far, so he had more social impact.
2007-08-06 15:02:30 · answer #2 · answered by michinoku2001 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i believe it was the first sport to break the color barrier but when dat happened football was nowhere near as popular as it is today. so yes i think it was but it had a bigger impact in baseball cuz back in the day baseball really was americas favorite pasttime. hope i helped l8er g8er
2007-08-06 15:01:31 · answer #3 · answered by Nick H 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The first known black Football player was in 1904, when Halfback Charles Follis signed with the Shelby (Ohio) AC.
2007-08-06 16:19:57 · answer #4 · answered by bucsfan4life_2007 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋