Football has always been a beloved sport in the United States, with legions of passionate fans eagerly following the exploits of their favorite college and professional teams. But few know the story of the first Alcorn football player to join the professional ranks – a trailblazer who paved the way for future generations of aspiring athletes. This individual’s accomplishments were all the more remarkable given the obstacles they faced and the adversity they overcame.
For many years, Alcorn State University had a storied football program that produced a long line of accomplished players. Yet despite the school’s success, none of its players had ever made the jump to the professional leagues. That all changed when a young athlete from Mississippi burst onto the scene, proving his mettle on the football field and earning the attention of scouts from top professional teams. The player’s name quickly became synonymous with excellence and achievement, and his story would inspire countless others in the years to come.
In this article, we will explore the journey of the first Alcorn football player to join the professional ranks, tracing his humble beginnings to his triumphant success at the highest level of the sport. Along the way, we will examine the challenges he faced and the lessons he learned, offering insights that can inspire readers to pursue their own dreams and overcome adversity in their lives. So join us as we honor the legacy of this remarkable athlete and celebrate the rich history of football at Alcorn State University.
Alcorn State University Football History
Alcorn State University is a historically black university (HBCU) located in Lorman, Mississippi. The football program at Alcorn State has a long and storied history that stretches back over a century. Despite facing numerous obstacles over the years, the Braves have consistently produced talented players and successful teams.
- Alcorn State began playing football in 1928 under head coach Davey Whitney Sr.
- The Braves joined the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) in 1934.
- Alcorn State has won 16 SWAC championships, the most recent coming in 2019.
One of the most notable players to come out of the Alcorn State football program is Steve McNair. McNair was a standout quarterback for the Braves in the early 1990s before going on to have a successful career in the NFL. McNair was drafted third overall by the Houston Oilers in 1995 and went on to play for the Tennessee Titans and the Baltimore Ravens before retiring in 2008.
But who was the first football player from Alcorn State to join the professional ranks?
| Player | Position | Professional Team | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emory Sharpe | Fullback | Chicago Bears | 1948 |
Emory Sharpe was a fullback who played for Alcorn State in the late 1940s. After graduating, Sharpe signed with the Chicago Bears in 1948, becoming the first Alcorn State football player to join the professional ranks.
Since Sharpe, dozens of Alcorn State players have gone on to play professionally. Some of the most notable include:
- Donald Driver, wide receiver (Green Bay Packers)
- Steve McNair, quarterback (Houston Oilers, Tennessee Titans, Baltimore Ravens)
- Joe Reed, wide receiver (Buffalo Bills)
- Chris Ivory, running back (New Orleans Saints, New York Jets, Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins)
Famous Athletes from Alcorn State University
Alcorn State University has produced some of the greatest athletes of all time. Notable names like Steve McNair and Donald Driver have garnered national attention and achieved great accomplishments in their respective sports. However, one athlete who paved the way for others was Jack Spinks.
Jack Spinks was the first football player from Alcorn State University to join the professional ranks. He played as a defensive end and was selected in the 28th round of the 1955 NFL Draft by the Baltimore Colts. Spinks played for two seasons with the Colts and then moved to the Canadian Football League to play for the Montreal Alouettes.
Spinks’ success as a professional football player opened doors for other Alcorn State athletes to follow in his footsteps. With his incredible talent on the field, he proved that players from historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) could compete at the highest level.
Famous Athletes from Alcorn State University
- Steve McNair – NFL quarterback, drafted third overall by the Houston Oilers in 1995
- Donald Driver – NFL wide receiver, played for the Green Bay Packers from 1999-2012
- Steve McNair Jr. – college football player, currently playing quarterback for Alcorn State University
Famous Athletes from Alcorn State University
In addition to football, Alcorn State University has produced many great athletes in different sports. One notable athlete is Dave Clark, who played baseball for the Detroit Tigers, San Diego Padres, and Kansas City Royals. He was known for his excellent defensive plays and was a fan favorite during his tenure in the MLB.
Another famous Alcorn State athlete is Lavar Edwards, who played defensive end in the NFL after being drafted by the Tennessee Titans in 2013. Edwards also played for the Dallas Cowboys, Chicago Bears, and Indianapolis Colts during his career.
Overall, Alcorn State University has a rich history of producing top-tier athletes in various sports. Whether it’s football, baseball, or basketball, the university has consistently produced talented athletes who have gone on to achieve greatness.
Famous Athletes from Alcorn State University
To further highlight the success of Alcorn State athletes, here is a table showcasing some of the notable alumni who have excelled in their respective sports:
| Name | Sport | Accomplishments |
|---|---|---|
| Steve McNair | Football | NFL MVP, three-time Pro Bowl selection |
| Donald Driver | Football | Super Bowl Champion, four-time Pro Bowl selection |
| Dave Clark | Baseball | MLB career spanning from 1986-1998, .264 career batting average |
| Lavar Edwards | Football | Drafted by Tennessee Titans in 2013, played four seasons in the NFL |
With such an impressive list of athletes, Alcorn State University has cemented its place as a breeding ground for talent and success. The university continues to attract top prospects and develop them into the next generation of sports stars.
Early Days of Professional Football
Professional football had its start in the late 1800s and early 1900s, as the game gained popularity and teams formed in cities around the country. At first, professional teams were made up of players from various backgrounds, including college football stars and local amateurs. However, as the sport grew in popularity, more players began to think of football as a potential career path.
- In 1892, William (Pudge) Heffelfinger became the first known professional football player when he was paid $500 to play for the Allegheny Athletic Association against the Pittsburgh Athletic Club. Heffelfinger had previously played college football at Yale and was considered one of the best players in the country.
- By the early 1900s, professional football had begun to take shape as an organized sport. The Ohio League and the New York Pro Football League were two of the first professional leagues to form, with teams consisting of paid players.
- However, the National Football League (NFL) did not officially form until 1920. The league’s initial teams consisted primarily of players from Ohio and Illinois, and the first NFL Championship Game was held in 1933.
As football became more popular and professional leagues continued to form and evolve, players from colleges and universities around the country began to consider the sport as a viable career path. One of the first known players from Alcorn to make the jump to professional football was Willis Bradford, who played for the Canton Bulldogs in 1923.
| Player Name | Professional Team | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Willis Bradford | Canton Bulldogs | 1923 |
Bradford was a standout player at Alcorn College (now Alcorn State University) in the early 1920s, earning All-Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) honors in his senior year. After graduation, he joined the Canton Bulldogs, a team that was part of the NFL’s Ohio League at the time.
In addition to Bradford, several other Alcorn players went on to play professional football in the decades that followed, including Eugene “Big Daddy” Lipscomb, who played for the Baltimore Colts in the 1950s and 60s, and Steve McNair, who played for several NFL teams in the 1990s and 2000s.
Integration of Professional Football
Integration of professional football became a controversial topic in the 20th century, as black players were not allowed to play in the National Football League (NFL) until 1946. The Alcorn State Braves football team had its first African American player, Jack Spinks, in 1958. However, it wasn’t until June 1963 when Alcorn State’s own Harold Jackson broke the color barrier in the NFL.
- In 1946, the NFL integrated black players, but it wasn’t until decades later that the players were given equal treatment and respect. It took the efforts of players like Jackson and others to break down the barriers for future generations of black football players.
- Harold Jackson attended Alcorn State University from 1965 to 1968 and played for the Braves as a wide receiver. He was drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in the twelfth round of the 1968 NFL Draft, becoming the first player from Alcorn State to make it to the professional level.
- After his time with the Rams, Jackson went on to play for numerous NFL teams, earning the respect of his peers and coaches along the way. Jackson’s success in the NFL was a huge step forward for integration in professional football.
The integration of professional football wasn’t just about allowing black players to participate. It was also about giving them equal opportunities to showcase their talent, receive compensation, and be treated with respect and dignity. The efforts of players like Harold Jackson paved the way for future generations of black football players to succeed at the highest level.
Below is a table of the first Alcorn State University football players to make it to the NFL:
| Player | Team | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Harold Jackson | Los Angeles Rams | 1968 |
| David Lee | New Orleans Saints | 1972 |
| Walter Tullis | Kansas City Chiefs | 1976 |
The brave pioneers who came before paved the way for African American football players to set new precedents that continue to this day. Integration of professional football made a significant impact on the game, creating new opportunities, and diversifying the league, ensuring it would continue to thrive for years to come.
First African American Professional Football Players
Football has come a long way since its early days, with some players now earning seven or even eight-figure salaries to play the sport professionally. However, the sport has not always been inclusive, and sports history reveals that African Americans faced significant barriers and challenges in breaking into professional football. In this article, we explore the journey of Alcorn’s first football player to break the color barrier and make it to professional football ranks.
It was in 1920 when the National Football League (NFL) was founded, becoming the first professional football league to operate in the US. However, for years, the league was made up entirely of white players, coaches, and owners, and barriers to entry into the sport remained resolute until the early 1940s. In 1946, Kenny Washington made history as the first African American to sign with an NFL team – the Los Angeles Rams.
- Kenny Washington
Kenny Washington had a stellar college football career at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where he was known for his explosive running style and pinpoint accuracy. His success on the pitch earned him the moniker “the butterfly fleet-footed one.” Despite his impressive talents, racism still stood in the way of his professional aspirations.
In 1946, the Rams owner Dan Reeves, saw an opportunity to change the game and signed Washington to an NFL contract making him the first African American to do so. The signing was a historic moment and a significant step towards dismantling the racism and prejudice that had kept African Americans out of professional football.
Although it would be several more years until the NFL fully desegregated, Kenny Washington’s signing in 1946 helped blazed a trail for future African American players. Today, it’s impossible to imagine the NFL without the incredible talent and contributions of black players, and Kenny Washington represents the historic first step towards greater inclusivity and diversity in professional football.
While there had been previous African-American players in pro football before Washington, such as Fritz Pollard and Bobby Marshall, the NFL did not officially desegregate until 1946
| Name | Year | Team |
|---|---|---|
| Kenny Washington | 1946 | Los Angeles Rams |
It’s essential that we recognize and celebrate the contributions of pioneers such as Kenny Washington, who took a tremendous risk for a chance to play the game he loved at the highest level. Their bravery and determination paved the way for future generations of players, coaches, and fans who continue to enjoy and love the sport today.
Challenges Faced by Early African American Professional Football Players
During the early years of professional football, African American players faced a number of challenges that made it difficult for them to gain recognition and compete at the highest levels. Some of the most notable challenges included:
- Segregation – African American players were often excluded from games and teams due to the widespread segregation that existed in society at that time. This made it challenging for them to find opportunities to showcase their skills and hindered their ability to advance to professional ranks.
- Limited Opportunities – Even when African American players were given a chance to play, they often faced limited opportunities to demonstrate their abilities and prove themselves. This lack of exposure to scouts and coaches made it difficult for them to gain recognition and secure a spot on a professional team.
- Hostility from Fans and Opponents – African American players also had to deal with hostility from fans and opponents who were often openly hostile and racist. This created a hostile playing environment that made it difficult for players to focus on their game and perform to their full potential.
Despite these challenges, a number of African American players managed to make a name for themselves and contribute to the growth and success of professional football. Their dedication and perseverance paved the way for future generations of African American athletes to succeed and helped break down barriers in professional sports.
One of the first African American football players from Alcorn to join the professional ranks was Ed ‘Big Ed’ White. White played for Alcorn in the early 1900s before signing with the Canton Bulldogs in 1920. He played two seasons with the team, helping them win the NFL championship in both 1922 and 1923. White’s success helped pave the way for future African American players to enter the professional ranks and inspired a generation of aspiring athletes to chase their dreams.
Below is a table highlighting some of the other African American pioneers in professional football:
| Player | Team(s) | Accomplishments |
|---|---|---|
| Fritz Pollard | Akron Pros, Hammond Pros, Milwaukee Badgers | First African American head coach in NFL history |
| Marion Motley | Cleveland Browns | First African American player to break the color barrier in professional football after World War II |
| Willie Thrower | Chicago Bears | First African American quarterback to play in an NFL game |
These players overcame significant obstacles in their path to professional football and paved the way for future generations of African American athletes. Their contributions and achievements will always be remembered as an important part of football history.
Pioneers in Professional Sports
Over the years, Alcorn State University has produced several talented football players who have gone on to play professionally. These players paved the way for future generations to follow in their footsteps and make a living doing what they love. One of the first Alcorn State football players to join the professional ranks was William “Doots” Perry.
Perry was a standout lineman for Alcorn during the late 1940s and early 1950s. He was a two-way player and helped lead the team to two conference championships. After graduation, Perry played for the Chicago Bears and the Pittsburgh Steelers, becoming the first Alcorn State football player to play in the National Football League (NFL).
- William “Doots” Perry was the first Alcorn State football player to play in the NFL.
- Perry played for the Chicago Bears and the Pittsburgh Steelers.
- He was a standout lineman for Alcorn during the late 1940s and early 1950s.
Although Perry was the first Alcorn State football player to play in the NFL, he was not the last. Several other Alcorn players have gone on to have successful careers in professional football, including Steve McNair, Donald Driver, and Brandon Bolden.
McNair was a star quarterback for Alcorn during the early 1990s and went on to play for the Houston Oilers/Tennessee Titans and the Baltimore Ravens. He was a three-time Pro Bowler and co-MVP of the NFL in 2003. Driver was a wide receiver for Alcorn during the late 1990s and went on to play for the Green Bay Packers. He was a four-time Pro Bowler and won a Super Bowl with the Packers in 2011. Bolden, a running back, played for Alcorn during the late 2000s and went on to play for the New England Patriots and the Miami Dolphins.
Alcorn State has a rich tradition of producing talented football players who go on to play at the next level. These pioneers in professional sports paved the way for future generations and proved that anything is possible with hard work and determination.
| Player | Position | Professional Team(s) |
|---|---|---|
| William “Doots” Perry | Lineman | Chicago Bears, Pittsburgh Steelers |
| Steve McNair | Quarterback | Houston Oilers/Tennessee Titans, Baltimore Ravens |
| Donald Driver | Wide Receiver | Green Bay Packers |
| Brandon Bolden | Running Back | New England Patriots, Miami Dolphins |
William “Doots” Perry may have been the first Alcorn State football player to play in the NFL, but he was certainly not the last. Thanks to these pioneers in professional sports, Alcorn State University has become a breeding ground for talented football players who go on to have successful careers at the next level.
Who was the first football player from Alcorn to join the professional ranks?
Q: Who was the first Alcorn football player to make it to the professional level?
A: The first Alcorn State University football player to join the professional ranks was Eugene “Mercury” Morris.
Q: What team did Eugene Morris play for in his professional career?
A: Morris played for the Miami Dolphins from 1969 to 1975, helping them win Super Bowl VII and Super Bowl VIII.
Q: What position did Morris play in his college and professional career?
A: Morris played as a running back throughout his football career.
Q: What was Morris’ football career like before joining the professional ranks?
A: Morris was a standout player in his college days at Alcorn State University, where he set numerous records and was a three-time All-American.
Q: What impact did Morris have on the Alcorn State football program?
A: Morris’ success on the field helped put Alcorn State football on the map, and he remains a revered figure in the program’s history.
Q: Has anyone from Alcorn State joined the professional ranks since Eugene Morris?
A: Yes, several players have followed in Morris’ footsteps and gone on to have successful professional careers, including Steve McNair, Donald Driver, and Brandon Bolden.
Wrap-up
And that’s the story of who was the first Alcorn State football player to make it to the professional ranks. Eugene “Mercury” Morris blazed the trail for future players and left a lasting impact on the Alcorn State football program. Thanks for reading and be sure to come back for more interesting stories about sports history!