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Former NFL star writes about travails of pioneering black players
The history of African Americans in professional football is a complicated, alarming, and yet remarkable journey that warrants detailed research and analysis.
Gary Burley, a former outstanding defensive lineman for the Cincinnati Bengals and Atlanta Falcons, has made it his mission to chronicle those often-overlooked chapters in a new book entitled: “Glory: The Struggle For Yards.” It is written with acclaimed veteran journalist Donna Francavilla.
“I think that there were some amazing players during the early 1900s and the early 1920s that were accepted because that was almost before this huge discrimination effort became nationwide,” said Francavilla, who happens to be a neighbor of Burley in Birmingham, Ala.
“And they were able to make some inroads. But of course, their accomplishments were swept under the rug. And so, by uncovering it and unearthing it, we can see that great players, inspirational players were always there, always doing the right thing for the right […]
Sayers family “blown away” by statue and tributes for the late Kansas Comet
Celebration of his life to be planned for my longtime friend
An imposing 8-foot statue of former Chicago Bears and Kansas icon Gale Sayers was unveiled on Oct. 3 during halftime of the Jayhawks game against Oklahoma State.
Sayers passed away at the age of 77 on Sept. 23, following a lengthy battle with dementia.
The unveiling of Sayers’ statue coincided […]
Bob Stearnes inducted into Indiana Football Hall of Fame
Good evening. I am so grateful for the opportunity to be a part of Coach Bob Stearnes’ induction into the Indiana Football Hall of Fame.
I can’t believe how fortunate we were at Tolleston High School to have two Hall of Fame coaches mentoring us in Coach Earl Smith and Coach Bob Stearnes. Their legacy as athletes and coaches in the […]
When I crossed paths with Vince Lombardi and the Packers
So, speaking of the upcoming NFL draft, here’s a curious story about my brief interaction with the legendary Vince Lombardi and the Green Bay Packers nearly a half century ago.
Lombardi exchanged communications with a business colleague of my father just three weeks before the 1969 NFL/AFL draft, which took place Jan. 28-29 in New York of that year, and saw […]
Week 17 NFL picks
The Packers and Lions battle for the NFC North title Sunday at Ford Field, while the Bears and Vikings face each other with nothing on the line in Minnesota. Here are my Week 17 picks:
Vikings over Bears
Patriots over Dolphins
Steelers over Browns
Bucs over Panthers
Cowboys over Eagles
Titans over Texans
Bills over Jets
Ravens over Bengals
Colts over Jaguars
Seahawks over 49ers
Falcons over Saints
Chiefs over Chargers
Cardinals over […]
Week 16 NFL picks
Playoff spots are up for grabs for several teams. For others, top spots in the upcoming draft could be their consolation prize. The Browns, 49ers Bears, Jets and Jaguars are this year’s bottom-feeders. Here are my Week 16 picks:
Eagles over Giants
Bills over Dolphins
Panthers over Falcons
Redskins over Bears
Chargers over Browns
Packers over Vikings
Titans over Jaguars
Patriots over Jets
Raiders over Colts
Rams over 49ers
Bucs over […]