Legacy in Motion: Breaking Barriers while Shaping History

Dear God, it is you who has given us talents. Thank you for my gifts. Thank you that my gifts have made room for my right now and my future. You don’t have to think of us or love us but you do, so I am forever appreciative. My life would not be the same without you. I trust you. In Jesus name we pray, thank God. Amen.

BHM Week 2: In lieu of the Super Bowl, I’d love to honor African-American athletes from, past time and current, who have made significant contributions to American football, breaking barriers and setting records throughout sports history.

Charles Follis: Known as the first Black professional football player, Follis played for the Shelby Blues from 1902 to 1906. A two-sport athlete, he began his professional football career in 1904.

Fritz Pollard: In 1920, Pollard became one of the first two African-American players in the NFL. A year later, he made history as the league’s first African-American head coach. Beyond his playing and coaching career, Pollard was a significant figure in promoting racial integration in professional football.

Bobby Marshall: Alongside Pollard, Marshall was among the first African-American players in the NFL in 1920. He was a versatile athlete, excelling in multiple sports, including football, baseball, and track.

Emlen Tunnell: A pioneering defensive back, Tunnell became the first African-American inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1967. He played for the New York Giants and the Green Bay Packers, earning nine Pro Bowl selections during his career.

Wallace Triplett: In 1949, Triplett became the first African-American draftee to play in the NFL. He set a record in 1950 for kickoff return yardage in a single game, amassing 294 yards, which remains one of the highest in league history.

These trailblazers not only showcased exceptional talent on the field but also played crucial roles in challenging and overcoming racial barriers in professional football. Their legacies continue to inspire and pave the way for future generations of athletes.

Some of the future generations of athletes include:

Emmitt Smith: One of the greatest running backs in NFL history, leaving an unmatched legacy in football. Smith, drafted 17th overall in 1990, became the NFL’s All-Time Leading Rusher (18,355 yards), obtained Super Bowl Championship 3xs, and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee in 2010. Known for his toughness, vision, and durability, he dominated the league for over a decade, surpassing Walter Payton’s rushing record in 2002.

Michael Strahan: A former defensive end who spent his entire 15-year NFL career with the New York Giants. Strahan set the record for most sacks in a single season and was instrumental in the Giants Super Bowl XLII victory. After retiring, he transitioned into a successful television career, co-hosting shows like Good Morning America and Live! with Kelly and Michael In 2025, he was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.

Randy Moss: A Hall of Fame wide receiver celebrated for his exceptional speed and catching ability. Moss played for teams including the Minnesota Vikings and New England Patriots, setting the single-season touchdown reception record in 2007. After retiring, he became an analyst for ESPN. In late 2024, Moss underwent surgery for a cancerous mass in his bile duct but made an emotional return to ESPN Sunday NFL Countdown in February 2025.

Colin Kaepernick: Now, what is black history in football without Mr Kaepernick? Colin is an American civil rights activist and former professional football quarterback. He played six seasons for the San Francisco 49ers in the National Football League. In his NFL Career he was Selected by the San Francisco 49ers in the 2011 NFL Draft. He led the team to the Super Bowl in the 2012 season, narrowly losing to the Baltimore Ravens. He was known for his dual-threat capabilities, combining strong passing with effective rushing.

In 2016, Kaepernick began kneeling during the national anthem at NFL games to protest police brutality and racial inequality in the United States. This act of protest sparked widespread debate and made him a polarizing figure.

Following the 2016 season, Kaepernick opted out of his contract with the 49ers. Despite his talents, he remained unsigned by any NFL team, leading to allegations that he was blackballed due to his activism.

Beyond football, Kaepernick has continued his activism and has ventured into entrepreneurship, including launching an artificial intelligence startup named Lumi Story AI.

Michael Vick: A dynamic quarterback known for his time with the Atlanta Falcons and Philadelphia Eagles. Vick revolutionized the quarterback position with his rushing abilities, becoming the first NFL quarterback to rush for over 1,000 yards in a single season. After legal issues and a subsequent return to the NFL, he retired and was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2025. In December 2024, Vick was appointed as the head coach of Norfolk State University.

They faced various challenges growing up, though their home lives and circumstances differed. Emmitt Smith credits his parents for instilling discipline and work ethic in him. His family emphasized education and faith. Michael Strahan had a stable military family, growing up in Germany before moving to Texas for high school. Unlike the others, he had a more structured upbringing. Michael Vick had strong family ties, but the challenges of his environment exposed him to the wrong influences, leading to his involvement in dogfighting.

Each player used football as a way out of their circumstances. With a brown face like so many we know and love, they’ve shown us that no matter what, you can achieve anything you believe and that it’s never too late. We can look at any game today and see so many brown faces. Like these players learned, excell in high school, and earn college scholarships. Despite their early struggles, they remained determined and became some of the greatest players in NFL history.

These athletes have significantly impacted American football by setting records, and continue to influence the sport through various endeavors.

Life does not always give us a clear path. Sometimes choices we make are not the best. The truth is life is about making mistakes and learning from them. Salute—hats off— to these athletes for their continued hard work; accountability, and consistent dedication to showing the world all your dreams can be a reality if you work hard, do not give up and believe in yourself.

Happy Black History week #2

Signing Off,

Simply Shaye ❤️