The Beginning: TC Teachers to ‘SU Rams

Winston-Salem State University football was born in 1940, the same year that the school — then Winston-Salem Teachers College — was still finding its footing as an institution for higher learning. Teachers College went undefeated in its second season (five wins and three ties), but the success was tough to sustain.

Through the 1940s, 50s, and 60s, WSSU was what many HBCUs were at the time — scrappy, underfunded, and sustained by the spirit of Black educators and athletes who played for the love of the game. After joining the CIAA in 1946, there were flashes of talent and a handful of winning seasons, but for decades the Rams were a middle-of-the-road program in the CIAA hierarchy, overshadowed by powerhouses like North Carolina A&T, Virginia State, and Morgan State.

It was a basketball school, gaining national prominence under Clarence “Big House” Gaines and Earl “The Pearl” Monroe.

Still, the foundation was being laid — one built on the values of persistence, education, and community. Winston-Salem’s east side was growing, and Bowman Gray Stadium would eventually become its cathedral. But the Rams needed a shepherd to lead them from survival to significance.

The Hayes Era: The HBCU world on notice

That leader arrived in 1976, when Gaines hired Bill Hayes was hired as head coach. At the time, WSSU was coming off another average season, but Hayes saw something more. He believed the Rams could become a legitimate HBCU football power — if they committed to doing things differently.

Hayes was young, fiery, and ambitious — the kind of coach who could see a championship where others saw just potential. In just his second season (1977), he delivered on that vision. The Rams went undefeated in the regular season for the first time in school history and captured their first CIAA Championship.

Then, they did it again.

By the late 1970s, WSSU football wasn’t just winning — it was setting a standard. Hayes built a pipeline of talent from North Carolina high schools and junior colleges, emphasizing speed, physicality, and discipline. His Rams became known for their stingy defenses and punishing running games — the hallmarks of championship HBCU football.

Over the next decade, WSSU became a fixture at the top of the CIAA, appearing in five consecutive championship games. The run culminated in 1987, when Hayes’ squad finally broke through again to capture another title. That 1987 win was significant — not only did it cement Hayes as one of the most successful coaches in WSSU history, it established the Rams as a consistent contender in Black college football. He also built a pipeline from the D2 HBCU to the NFL that would last long after he went across county lines to take over North Carolina A&T.

By the time Hayes left for NC A&T, WSSU wasn’t just competing. It was leading.

Pete Richardson: The Powerhouse Years

When Pete Richardson, Hayes’ longtime assistant, took over the program in the late 1980s, there was no drop-off. If anything, WSSU got stronger.

Richardson — a former defensive back and assistant under Hayes — brought the same energy, attention to detail, and commitment to excellence. Under his leadership, WSSU became even more disciplined and even more dominant. From 1988 through 1992, the Rams won three CIAA championships and appeared in four title games.

Richardson’s tenure elevated WSSU’s reputation nationally. The Rams were now considered one of the elite HBCU football programs in America, rivaling the success of Division I powers like Grambling, Southern, and Florida A&M — but doing it at the Division II level.

Players from this era carried the swagger and expectation that they could beat anyone, anywhere. The stands at Bowman Gray stayed packed, and the Rams’ brand extended beyond Winston-Salem.

When Richardson left WSSU to become head coach at Southern University in 1993, it marked the end of one era and the start of another. But what Hayes and Richardson built would echo long after they were gone.

The Blount Era: An HBCU homecoming

When Kermit Blount — a former quarterback and hero of the 1977 and 1978 championship teams — returned home to lead his alma mater, expectations were sky-high. But rebuilding isn’t always instant.

The 1990s were a transition period for both the CIAA and WSSU. Other programs were catching up. Recruiting became more competitive. The landscape of HBCU football was shifting as some schools eyed the move to Division I.

For Blount, it took time to restore the Rams to their familiar place atop the standings. But patience paid off. In 1999, in his sixth season, Blount’s Rams broke through — winning the CIAA Championship. They did it again in 2000, marking back-to-back titles for the first time since the Hayes years. He also started winning streaks over programs like Johnson C. Smith and Livingstone that would last for decades.

That stretch reestablished WSSU as the class of the CIAA, producing All-Americans, playoff appearances, and a renewed sense of pride across campus. Blount’s success proved that the Rams’ tradition of excellence wasn’t tied to one coach or one generation — it was part of the school’s DNA.

The Turning Point: The Move to Division I

After the 2000 championship season, WSSU was once again a force. The program had decades of sustained success, alumni support, and regional prestige. That momentum caught the attention of then-Chancellor Dr. Harold L. Martin Sr., a visionary leader who believed Winston-Salem State was ready for a bigger stage.

Martin proposed that WSSU move from Division II to Division I, joining the MEAC and competing alongside schools like North Carolina A&T, Howard, and Florida A&M. It was a bold vision — one that promised national exposure, elevated recruiting, and institutional prestige.

The plan was ambitious, and at the time, it felt right. WSSU had the winning pedigree, the fan base, and the cultural cachet to dream big. But the shift would test the university in ways it had never been tested before.

When the transition plan was officially approved in 2005, it was hailed as the next great leap for an HBCU that had spent 65 years climbing. But what no one could fully predict was how deeply that move would ripple — not just through football, but through the entire university.

For decades, WSSU had been the heart of the CIAA. Now, it was stepping away from its identity, its rivals, and its roots. The decision marked both an evolution and a gamble — one that would define the next decade of WSSU athletics.

Next: Part II — “The Division I Dream: How WSSU Reached for the Big Time and Paid the Price”

From 1940 to 2005, WSSU football rose from obscurity to dominance. It built champions, sent coaches to greatness, and gave Winston-Salem a sense of identity that stretched far beyond campus.

But as every dynasty eventually learns, progress has a price. The next chapter of this story will explore that price — the Division I era, the financial strain, and the cracks that began to form in the foundation of a once unshakable empire.

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Adding another layer to the historic moment, Kennesaw State’s athletic director, Milton Overton, once served in the same role at Florida A&M University, further linking the programs and their paths.

The HBCU-to-FBS Pipeline

To date, only six coaches have made the rare leap from HBCU head coach to FBS leadership:

• Willie Jeffries (South Carolina State to Wichita State)
• Jay Hopson (Alcorn State to Ole Miss)
• Deion Sanders (Jackson State to Colorado)
• Willie Simmons (Florida A&M to FIU)
• Jerry Mack (North Carolina Central to Kennesaw State)
• Eddie George (Tennessee State to Bowling Green)

Long stigmatized as a dead-end for ambitious coaches, HBCU football has often been unfairly dismissed as lacking FBS-caliber coaching talent. But the presence of four active FBS head coaches with HBCU roots — and the historic Simmons-Mack showdown — proves that perception is changing. While Jeffries, Hopson, Sanders, and George made direct jumps to FBS head coaching roles, Simmons and Mack took a more traditional route, rising through Power Four assistant ranks before earning their current opportunities.

Parallel Paths From HBCU to FBS

Willie Simmons, a former Clemson quarterback, guided Florida A&M to the 2023 Celebration Bowl championship before accepting a position as running backs coach at Duke University. Encouraged by mentors like Dabo Swinney and Nick Saban, Simmons made the leap to FBS leadership when FIU called.

Jerry Mack’s ascent followed a similar arc. After leading North Carolina Central University to three MEAC titles and a 2016 Celebration Bowl appearance, he joined Rice University as offensive coordinator, then spent time at Tennessee and in the NFL with the Jacksonville Jaguars before being hired as Kennesaw State’s head coach in 2024.

Conference USA Battle

Both coaches now find themselves in the same league — Conference USA — where their teams are taking divergent but promising paths.

Kennesaw State (4-2, 2-0) sits atop the conference standings after a gritty early season. The Owls nearly upset ACC power Wake Forest in a narrow 10–9 loss before rebounding with four straight wins, including two conference victories.

Florida International, meanwhile, continues its steady rise under Simmons. After a dominant season-opening win over Bethune-Cookman, the Panthers battled No. 1-ranked Penn State before earning a marquee victory in the Shula Bowl against FAU. Following setbacks to Delaware and UConn, FIU bounced back with a statement win over Western Kentucky, then the league leader. It is currently 3-3 overall with a 1-1 conference record.

Jerry Mack’s HBCU Legacy

Before his FBS success, Jerry Mack built a powerhouse at North Carolina Central, compiling a 23–15 record from 2014–2017. His Eagles captured three straight MEAC titles (two of which were later vacated) and made the program’s first Celebration Bowl appearance. That season, NCCU shattered school offensive records, earning Mack the 2016 HBCU Coach of the Year honors from Black College Sports Page and The Pigskin Club of Washington, D.C.

Earlier in his career, Mack was offensive coordinator at Arkansas-Pine Bluff and receivers/tight ends coach at Jackson State, where his offenses ranked among the best in the SWAC and won the 2007 conference championship.

Willie Simmons’ Coaching Legacy

Before his move to FIU, Simmons spent six seasons transforming Florida A&M into a national FCS contender. From 2018 to 2023, he posted a 45–13 overall record (.776) and an astonishing 34–5 conference mark (.872) across the MEAC and SWAC, earning back-to-back AFCA Region 3 Coach of the Year awards and the 2023 SWAC Coach of the Year title.

Under Simmons, FAMU finished each of his last four seasons ranked in the national top 25 — including a No. 5 ranking in 2023, their highest since 1998. Before that, Simmons led Prairie View A&M to three straight winning seasons, becoming the school’s first coach in over five decades to accomplish that feat.

His offensive mastery traces back to his tenure as coordinator at Alcorn State, where he helped the Braves capture the 2014 SWAC title and Black College National Championship.

Bigger than FIU-Kennesaw State

Elsewhere in the FBS, fellow former HBCU coaches are making their mark. Deion Sanders and the Colorado Buffaloes recently stunned No. 22 Iowa State, 24–17, in a field-rushing victory that cost the school a $50,000 fine. Meanwhile, Eddie George’s Bowling Green Falcons sit at 3–4, including key wins over Toledo (28–23) and Liberty (23–13).

As Simmons and Mack continue their ascent, their matchup represents far more than a game in the broader sense. It’s a celebration of HBCU excellence, perseverance, and proof that the coaching pipeline once ignored is now impossible to overlook.

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From HBCU Star to NFL Sensation

Leonard’s journey began at South Carolina State, where he dominated the MEAC and turned heads with his sideline-to-sideline explosiveness. That production made him a second-round selection by the Indianapolis Colts in the 2018 NFL Draft, and he wasted no time making his presence felt.

As a rookie, Leonard led the entire NFL with 163 tackles, adding seven sacks, four forced fumbles, and two interceptions. His debut campaign earned him AP Defensive Rookie of the Year honors, immediately cementing his reputation as a game-wrecker in the middle of the Colts defense.

“The Maniac” Era: A Career Timeline

Leonard’s career took off quickly and rarely slowed down. In 2019, he followed up his rookie explosion with five interceptions and earned his first Pro Bowl and First-Team All-Pro selections. Two years later, in 2021, Leonard signed a five-year, $98.5 million extension, becoming the highest-paid inside linebacker in NFL history — a landmark deal for any player, but especially for one from an HBCU program.

He remained the heartbeat of the Colts’ defense through the 2022 season before injuries began to take their toll. Midway through 2023, Indianapolis released Leonard, but he quickly latched on with the Philadelphia Eagles and closed the year with them. By the 2024 offseason, after a period of uncertainty and recovery, Leonard was at peace with the idea that his playing days might be behind him. In 2025, he made it official: he was retiring from football.

Over 75 career NFL games, Leonard compiled 637 tackles, 17 forced fumbles, 16 sacks, and 12 interceptions, earning three Pro Bowls and three First-Team All-Pro nods in the process. His blend of instincts, aggression, and flair made him one of the most dynamic linebackers of his generation.

A Historic Payday for an HBCU Great

Leonard’s 2021 contract extension wasn’t just personal validation but a milestone moment for HBCU football. The deal shattered linebacker salary records and spotlighted the elite talent pipeline flowing from historically Black colleges and universities to the NFL.

For South Carolina State and HBCUs nationwide, Leonard’s rise sent a clear message: elite talent can emerge from anywhere, and it deserves the game’s biggest stages.

The Toll of Greatness

While his on-field play was ferocious, Leonard’s career also reflected the physical toll that comes with playing at such intensity. Recurring back injuries and concussions ultimately slowed his production, forcing him to miss extended time and altering his explosiveness. By 2024, Leonard acknowledged that his body might not allow a return to peak form, saying,

“If it happens, it happens. If it don’t, it don’t. I think throughout my career I’ve had a great career, even if I do step away from it.”

That acceptance carried the weight of a body pushed to its limits and a mind that knew when it was time to shift focus.

Off the Field: Big Heart, Bigger Impact

Leonard’s influence stretched far beyond tackles and turnovers, as he consistently used his platform to uplift others and honor his roots. In 2022, he made headlines when he flew out the South Carolina State Marching Band to perform at an NFL game, giving his alma mater’s musicians a moment in the national spotlight. That same year, he donated to the families affected by the Uvalde school shooting, offering tangible support during a time of national tragedy.

In 2024, Leonard renewed his commitment to the next generation by joining the coaching staff at Lake View High School and returning to his hometown to mentor young athletes. Through these actions, he showed that his legacy wasn’t just built on football greatness — it was also built on generosity, leadership, and an unwavering connection to his HBCU community.

Insights From the Homecoming: Gems Dropped at Training Camp Visit

In August 2025, Darius Shaquille Leonard returned to South Carolina State’s locker room — not for a ceremony, but to speak directly to the Bulldogs during their training camp. His visit was full of heart, humility, and hard truths, as he delivered a speech packed with wisdom and reminders of what it means to grind.

He told the team,

“What made me who I am was when I fell in love … I fell in love with the process. I fell in love with outworking the person beside me.”

He recalled a piece of advice from a veteran NFL teammate:

“The person you are now and the person that you want to become cannot coexist at the same time.”

Leonard challenged the team to sacrifice — late nights in film sessions instead of parties, extra reps unseen by fans, and risking one’s body for the progress of others.

“This game does not owe you nothing, but you owe this game everything … Are you willing to sacrifice nights from not partying, going out, and get some work? Are you willing to put your body on the line for your brother to make a play?”

His message was clear: legendary careers aren’t forged by talent alone, but by a daily standard, relentless work ethic, and mindset grounded in humility. For the SC State players he addressed, hearing that message from someone who walked in their cleats carried a weight that no highlight reel could replicate.

Retiring as a Colt: Full Circle Honors

The story has a poetic ending. The Indianapolis Colts announced that Leonard will officially retire as a member of the franchise during a halftime ceremony in their 2025 home matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders.

He’ll address the home fans from the field at halftime and had been slated for a press conference at Lucas Oil Stadium earlier that day. The Colts plan to celebrate his impact in a moment designed to acknowledge his on-field ferocity and his off-field influence.

In Indianapolis, franchise leadership framed the moment as long overdue:

“Colts Nation will always remember The Maniac’s palpable energy on the field with each tackle, interception, punchout, and fumble recovery,” the team said in a statement. “Off the field, he’s a servant leader … We’re thankful for Shaq and the contributions he made to our organization.”

While the Eagles closed out his final season in 2023, this ceremony ensures Leonard’s story ends where it began: in the blue and white of the Colts.

A Lasting Legacy

Darius Shaquille Leonard’s story is more than just a highlight reel — it’s a blueprint for how HBCU football excellence can reverberate all the way to the NFL’s brightest lights. From under-recruited prospect to record-breaking Pro Bowler, from “The Maniac” on Sundays to a generous leader off the field, Leonard’s impact will echo well beyond his 75 games.

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Attendance between the Morgan State Bears and the Miles College Golden Bears was reported at just 3,000. That number represents just 4.3 percent of the 70,000 fans that can fit into Lucas Oil Stadium for a game. 

Alice Watson, president and CEO of Indiana Black Expo, the organization responsible for the Circle City Classic, attempted to put it all in perspective. 

“We compete with over 25 classics now. This is one of the original,” Watson told WTHR. “But we’re really trying to figure out how do we morph it into something that’s a little bit different and more meaningful for the community.”

HBCU football comes to the midwest

The Circle City Classic was born in 1984 out of the vision of Rev. Charles R. Williams, president of the Indiana Black Expo. With no HBCUs in Indiana, Williams sought to bring Black college football — and all the culture around it — to Indianapolis. Backed by major sponsors like Coca-Cola and broadcast by BET, the Classic quickly became more than a game. It was a weekend filled with pageants, job fairs, concerts, and marching bands that turned the city into what many called “Chocolate City.”

The inaugural matchup pitted Grambling State and Mississippi Valley State, featuring legends Eddie Robinson, Willie Totten, and Jerry Rice. It grossed half a million dollars at the box office and set the tone for what would become one of the premier HBCU football showcases. Through the 1990s, the event regularly drew 50,000 to 60,000 fans to the Hoosier Dome and RCA Dome. Games like North Carolina A&T versus Southern in 1994 attracted over 62,000, while entertainment giants such as Babyface and Florence Griffith-Joyner graced the festivities. At its peak, the Classic symbolized Black financial empowerment and HBCU star power in the Midwest.

But the game’s fortunes shifted in the 2000s. Williams’ death in 2004 left a leadership void, while changing demographics and an over-saturated market chipped away at its uniqueness. Fans no longer had to travel to Indianapolis as Detroit, Cleveland, and Chicago developed their own classics. Sponsorships and payouts declined, while powerhouse programs increasingly opted for higher-paying FBS “money games.” Attendance slipped from the 60,000s to just over 30,000 by the mid-2000s, then into the teens by the 2010s.

“We used to not have those challenges with HBCUs. And we’re now competing with PWIs — predominantly white institutions — where they’re paying a lot more for HBCU teams to come and play them. It’s like upwards to a million dollars,” Watson said.

NFL stadium just too big?

Several iterations of the game saw smaller HBCUs from the midwest — Central State and Kentucky State — attempt to fill the void in the new NFL home of Indianapolis — the massive Lucas Oil Stadium. Attendance continued to diminish, and many in the HBCU community felt that larger, Division I HBCUs would help bring that number up. In recent years the game has featured matchups of MEAC and SWAC schools, but it has not come anywhere near its glory days. In fact, that isn’t even the expectation anymore. 

“We attempt to fill a stadium, but the reality is if we hit a number that is somewhere between 25,000 and 30,000 in attendance, that’s a huge success,” Watson said.

This once-vibrant showcase once brought national attention to Indianapolis and showcased HBCUs. This year it barely filled 4 percent of the NFL stadium it calls home. It is a sobering reminder of how quickly even the grandest stages can fade.

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Wilberforce University, the nation’s oldest private HBCU, is eyeing a return to the gridiron. The Green Wave hasn’t fielded a football team in decades, but the school has launched a feasibility study that could bring the program back by Fall 2027.

University president Dr. Vann R. Newkirk says the timing makes sense. “As Wilberforce prepares to surpass 1,000 students in enrollment by 2026, it’s time to revisit the legacy and potential of our football program,” Newkirk said. “We believe football could be a powerful catalyst for student engagement, school pride, and institutional visibility.”

A Legacy That Still Echoes

Wilberforce football isn’t just a memory—it’s a program that once stood among the giants of Black college football. In 1931, the Green Wave went 8–0 under head coach Harry C. Graves and was crowned Black College National Champion. That season featured a landmark win over Tuskegee, ending the Golden Tigers’ 35-game unbeaten streak.

The Green Wave kept producing strong teams in the years after World War II. In 1946, Wilberforce finished 5–2–2 and was ranked fourth among Black colleges by the Pittsburgh Courier’s Dickinson System. A year later, the program climbed even higher, finishing No. 2 nationally with its only loss coming to Tennessee A&I. The eventual national champion.

Institutional changes in the late 1940s, including the state of Ohio’s withdrawal of support and the resulting split that created Central State University, ultimately pushed Wilberforce football off the map. Since then, the program has been dormant, and its legacy has been preserved mainly through alumni stories and HBCU historians.

What Comes Next

The feasibility study will examine the logistics, including facilities, funding, staffing, and student interest. It will also assess how alumni and local partnerships can support the program. “This isn’t just about football,” Newkirk emphasized. “It’s about reclaiming a legacy, energizing our campus, and showing the world that Wilberforce is ready to lead again. On and off the field.”

If the pieces fall into place, the Green Wave could make its long-awaited return in 2027—ushering in a new chapter for the nation’s oldest private HBCU.

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Morgan State, where Richardson served as president from 1984 to 2010, announced his death on Sept 13. The school called him a transformative leader whose 26-year tenure reshaped the Baltimore campus and raised its national profile.

A lawsuit that reshaped HBCU funding

Richardson played a central role in the Coalition for Equity and Excellence in Maryland Higher Education Inc. The group filed a lawsuit in 2006 claiming the state had underfunded its HBCUs for decades.

The case, often compared to Brown v. Board of Education, ended in 2021. Maryland agreed to provide $577 million in new funding over 10 years to four HBCUs, including Morgan State.

Although Richardson, as a state employee, could not serve as a plaintiff, colleagues credited him as the visionary behind the lawsuit. “He was armed with history,” said David Burton, a Morgan graduate who joined the coalition.

Student protests sparked his fight

In 1990, Morgan State University students staged a six-day takeover of the administration building. They protested broken dorms, leaking roofs, and outdated labs.

Richardson, who had marched in civil rights protests as a student, urged them to take their demands to the state. Students then walked 34 miles to Annapolis, forcing a meeting with the governor. That protest paved the way for the later lawsuit.

The Morgan Renaissance

Under Earl Richardson, Morgan’s enrollment doubled and new academic schools opened, including architecture and social work. The university achieved doctoral research classification, and more than $500 million went into new facilities.

On campus, the era became known as the “Morgan Renaissance.” Some called it “Richardson’s Renaissance.”

Lasting impact on HBCUs

Even after stepping down in 2010, Richardson stayed involved as a professor and researcher. He also worked on national boards and commissions focused on education.

His testimony before Congress in 2008 highlighted HBCU struggles. He stressed that Black colleges nurtured top scholars and gave opportunities to students who doubted college was possible.

“We can make them the scientists and the engineers and the teachers,” Richardson told lawmakers. “But only if our institutions have comparability and parity with others.”

Remembering a leader

Kweisi Mfume, chairman of Morgan’s Board of Regents, called Richardson “a transformative leader and stalwart in the fight to ensure a college opportunity for all students.”

Current Morgan president David K. Wilson said Richardson’s legacy “left an indelible mark on higher education.”

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The series has traveled across multiple leagues. The Aggies and Pirates were conference foes in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) from 1995 to 2017, briefly shared time in the Big South, and now sit side by side in the CAA, where Hampton arrived in 2022 and A&T followed in 2023. Through those changes, Hampton has maintained the edge, holding a 29-18-2 series lead, including last season’s emphatic 59-17 win at A&T’s homecoming.

North Carolina A&T rivalry list already full

For A&T head coach Shawn Gibbs, Hampton may not be among the Aggies’ most established rivals — but the shared history and repeated meetings have created a unique bond.

“I think it’s a good rivalry. I don’t know if it’s your traditional rivalry, like South Carolina State, Central, or Winston-Salem State,” Gibbs explained. “But it’s definitely building into that. You’ve got two schools that are similar, with high academic standards, great cultures, and tradition-rich football programs.”

That sentiment captures the essence of the matchup: Hampton–A&T may not have the same century-old animosity as Aggie-Eagle or the old battles with South Carolina State, but it has become one of the most consistent rivalries in Black college football, surviving realignment and changing conference maps.

Two historic programs

First-year Hampton head coach Trent Boykin agrees that the rivalry resonates beyond the gridiron.

“Just two historic programs, a lot of rich tradition,” Boykin said. “We recruit down in the North Carolina area, and we’ve got 10 or 12 players from North Carolina on the team. They know a lot of those A&T guys. So when you play A&T, you’ve got players who have gone against each other in high school. That makes it personal.”

Boykin also praised the atmosphere the game consistently produces. “No matter whether they come here or we’re down there, the atmosphere is always great. There’s a great rivalry with it, and it’s fun to play in.”

Carrying the HBCU Flag in the CAA

The broader significance of this matchup is its setting. Hampton and North Carolina A&T are the only two HBCUs competing in the CAA, a league dominated by predominantly white institutions. Their games against one another are cultural touchstones as much as athletic contests, reminders of the heritage and history they carry into every matchup.

From the CIAA in 1925 to the MEAC battles of the late 20th century, from homecoming heartbreaks to prime-time clashes in the CAA, Hampton and A&T hope to prove that this game can adapt to shifting landscapes without losing their soul.

Saturday’s game is not simply about the CAA standings. It is another chapter in a pseudo-rivalry that stretches back nearly a century. It’s one that embodies the resilience, pride, and tradition of HBCU football — even in this new landscape. 

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“McNeil’s bravery and determination sparked the civil rights movement across the United States,” the school said in a statement. “His military service and achievements as a major general in the Air Force Reserve Command show his dedication to service and country.”

McNeil was a Wilmington, N.C., native when he joined fellow students Ezell Blair Jr. (later Jibreel Khazan), David Richmond, and Franklin McCain at the segregated Woolworth’s lunch counter in Greensboro on Feb. 1, 1960. The “A&T Four” quietly asked to be served. When staff refused, they stayed in their seats. The protest gained national attention, inspired hundreds of similar demonstrations, and helped push desegregation forward.

Honored at A&T, in HBCU football and beyond

Even in his later years, McNeil stayed tied to the HBCU where history was made. This past February, despite health challenges, he returned to A&T for the 65th anniversary sit-in commemoration. The audience at the annual breakfast honoring the A&T Four gave him a standing ovation.

Over the weekend, A&T’s football program honored him with a helmet decal recognizing the A&T Four. The gesture linked the university’s athletic tradition to its civil rights legacy. It showed how the A&T Four’s example continues to inspire new generations.

Chancellor James R. Martin II said McNeil’s impact still resonates on campus. “Joseph McNeil and his classmates inspired a nation with their peaceful protest, proving young people could change the world. The North Carolina A&T family mourns his loss but celebrates his long and incredible life.”

Military career and later life

After graduating from A&T, McNeil joined the U.S. Air Force. He served in Vietnam, rose through the ranks, and retired as a major general. He later worked with the Federal Aviation Administration.

The McNeil family called his life “a testament to the power of courage and conviction.” They said a tribute to honor him will be announced later.

Of the four who made history in Greensboro, Richmond died in 1990, McCain in 2014, and Khazan now lives in Massachusetts.

The Woolworth’s site is now the International Civil Rights Center & Museum, where visitors can see a restored lunch counter. A portion of the original counter also sits at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History in Washington.

McNeil is survived by his family, including son Joseph McNeil Jr. “His impact on the civil rights movement and his service to the nation will never be forgotten,” his son said.

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A Legacy Worn on the Helmet

NC A&T Head coach Sean Gibbs discussed the decal’s importance at Monday’s press conference, following A&T’s nail-biting loss to Tennessee State in the John Merritt Classic, a showcase steeped in HBCU history. “We wanted to show respect to the A&T Four… honoring the A&T Four would be something that nobody else in the country can have on the front of their helmets because we’re the only ones. So we want to honor their legacy,” he said at the presser.

“The A&T Four were four young freshmen who changed the world. And that’s what I’m trying to get our guys to understand. We’re trying to change this program. And it doesn’t matter what classification you are. You’ve got to step out on faith, go to work, and if we do that, we can change the trajectory of this program,” Gibbs added.

The A&T Four’s story is still central on campus. The February One Monument stands at the heart of the university, depicting the students in bronze as they appeared on the day of the protest. Their decision to remain seated despite being denied service sparked a movement that spread to more than 250 cities within a month. By July 1960, Greensboro’s Woolworth counter was desegregated. Residence halls now bear the names Richmond, McCain, Blair, and McNeil in honor of the moment that became a movement.

Players Embrace the Symbol

For the Aggies, the decal is not simply design. It is responsibility. Linebacker Joshua Isaiah spoke passionately about its meaning after the Tennessee State game. “That decal is just another representation of what we need to do,” he said. “They put the hard work in, the sacrifice for the civil rights movement. So we need to put the hard work and the sacrifice to win games for our school.”

Quarterback Braxton Thomas also weighed in. “It means a lot just knowing the history that not only they bring to this university but the country, just the impact they were able to have and just what it means to be an Aggie and living off of Aggie Pride,” Thomas said. “This staff has done a great job… teaching us the history of A&T, like legends, single-season record holders. It just means a lot too that we have alumni on the staff who have done it, who have been here, who have won Celebration Bowls, and who have just been successful.”

Family Ties to History

The football program’s connection to the movement is personal. Former North Carolina A&T cornerback Franklin “Mac” McCain III—who signed with the Denver Broncos in 2021 and later played for the Philadelphia Eagles—is the grandson of Franklin McCain, one of the original A&T Four. Mac’s journey from A&T to the NFL continues that tradition. His success links modern HBCU football achievement to the courage and determination that helped spark the civil rights movement.

More Than a Decal

Coach Gibbs made it clear that the symbol is not just about history. It is a reestablishment of the standard. “We’re trying to change this program,” he said. “Step out on faith, go to work, and change the trajectory.”

The decal now appears on the front of every Aggie helmet. For players and fans, it reminds them that North Carolina A&T’s story is bigger than football. It is about carrying forward the legacy of four HBCU students who took a seat and, in doing so, stood up for change.

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In October 2022, Jackson State had the distinction of becoming just the second HBCU to host College GameDay at its home stadium. The energy around Deion Sanders’ program was unlike anything else in college football at the time, and ESPN brought its flagship pregame show to Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium for the matchup between Jackson State and Southern. For HBCUs, it was another chance to be front and center on the national stage. And for Jackson State, it was supposed to be the day that Lee Corso put on the Tiger head.

Corso, of course, had been battling health issues for several years. His appearances on College GameDay had grown less frequent, but word was he would be in Jackson that morning. I had just arrived from the airport and made my way to the stadium to interview the GameDay crew. Reese Davis, Desmond Howard, and the rest of the team were there. But Lee Corso was not.

Inside the bowels of the stadium, someone brought out the tiger head—Jackson State’s symbol—placing it on a table in the press room. That was the moment it became clear what Corso was supposed to do. He was going to pick Jackson State, sliding that head over his shoulders to the roar of fans. But the announcement came down soon after: Corso would not be appearing on the show. Health had once again kept him away. The tiger head sat silently on the table, a reminder of the moment that never came.

Lee Corso and HBCU mascots

It wasn’t the first time Corso had embraced HBCUs. College GameDay made its HBCU debut at Florida A&M years earlier, and Corso gleefully donned the Rattler helmet in Tallahassee—just miles from where he once starred as a defensive back at Florida State. In 2021, when GameDay traveled to Atlanta for the MEAC/SWAC Challenge, he picked up the Alcorn State Bravehead as HBCUs officially kicked off the fall football season. He was wrong in that pick—North Carolina Central won—but it showed that HBCUs were part of his legendary GameDay tradition.

Still, the tiger head looms large. For those of us who saw it sitting there that morning in 2022, it’s a bittersweet memory. Lee Corso gave so much to the game, to the pageantry, to the fans who tuned in every week. Yet, one of the sport’s most iconic rituals never found its way to one of its proudest programs. Jackson State’s tiger head stayed on the table, never to be worn by Corso. And now, with Corso making his final College GameDay pick, we know it never will be.

But maybe that’s fitting. Corso’s impact didn’t need the final prop. It lives in the moments, the exposure, and the recognition he helped bring to programs too often overlooked. And in that way, even without the tiger head, Lee Corso’s legacy is complete — the HBCU world included.

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A Literary and Cultural Force

Born July 29, 1923, in Chester, South Carolina, Ayers Allen graduated from the historic Brainerd Institute before attending Barber-Scotia College and Bennett College, two HBCU institutions that shaped her intellectual path.

She published Spice of Dawns in 1952, a collection nominated for the Pulitzer Prize. Five years later, she released Hawk, a long-form poem that linked the freedom of flight to the boundless possibilities of space exploration. Published just before the launch of Sputnik, Hawk would later be celebrated by NASA for its prophetic vision.

Her works appeared in anthologies such as Langston Hughes’ New Negro Poets, USA, and reached new generations through performances on HBO’s Def Poetry Jam and a sample by Solange on her 2019 album When I Get Home.

As a playwright, Ayers Allen explored African American traditions and spirituality in works such as Bow Boly and The Marriage Ceremony (1973).

Educator and Advocate

Ayers Allen broke barriers in higher education, becoming the first Black full-time faculty member at Rice University in the mid-1960s. She created “Workshops in Open Fields,” an initiative to bring arts education to young children. Later, she founded the ADEPT American Museum in New York, highlighting Black and Indigenous cultural contributions.

She also launched the ADEPT Quarterly literary magazine. She spearheaded efforts to preserve the Brainerd Institute’s legacy in her hometown, turning the site into a hub for literacy and heritage programs.

Her advocacy earned honors from the National Council of Negro Women, Jack and Jill of America, and Winthrop University. Bennett College and Wilberforce University awarded her honorary doctorates.

Honored as a Hidden Figure

In July 2024, just before the 55th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing, NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston renamed Building 12 as the Dorothy Vaughan Center in Honor of Women of Apollo. Ayers Allen was among those recognized as a Hidden Figure for her cultural contributions during the space race era.

NASA mounted her poem Hawk and her portrait inside the building, underscoring the connection between her creative vision and the Apollo 11 leap into space. “It’s a privilege to dedicate Johnson’s Building 12 to the innovative women who laid the foundation to our nation’s space program,” NASA Johnson Director Vanessa Wyche said at the ceremony.

Her daughters, actress Phylicia Rashad and choreographer Debbie Allen, attended alongside their brother, musician Andrew “Tex” Allen Jr. “Our hearts are overflowing with pride and gratitude,” Debbie Allen wrote at the time.

A Family Rooted in Art and Legacy

Vivian Ayers Allen married Andrew Arthur Allen Sr. and raised four children: musician Andrew “Tex” Allen Jr., actress and choreographer Debbie Allen, banking executive Hugh Allen, and actress Phylicia Rashad. Known within her family as “Ma Turk,” she inspired not only her children—now considered cultural icons in their own right—but also generations of students, writers, and artists.

Her daughters carried the HBCU torch into their own groundbreaking careers. Rashad, a Howard University alumna, became one of the school’s most celebrated graduates, later returning as dean of the Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts. She is best remembered for her role as Clair Huxtable on The Cosby Show, a performance that cemented her place as a national treasure. Debbie Allen, who studied at Howard before blazing a trail in dance and choreography, transformed Hollywood with her work on Fame, A Different World, and countless productions that showcased Black artistry on a global stage.

Together, the Allen family reflects the enduring power of the HBCU tradition. This educational and cultural foundation shaped their voices and gave them the tools to influence American arts and culture.

Vivian Ayers Allen’s life bridged poetry, theater, education, and cultural preservation, weaving together HBCU heritage, Black legacy, and national milestones in space exploration. Her vision endures in classrooms, on stages, and in the heavens she once imagined through verse.

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Recruited to FAMU through her early tennis connections. Althea Gibson quickly distinguished herself on campus not only as a tennis star but also as a versatile athlete. She played golf and basketball and was known as one of the best pool players at the university. While excelling in athletics, she also pledged Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. (Beta Alpha Chapter), where she was beloved by her peers.

HBCU Roots

After graduating from Tallahassee-HBCU, Gibson broke barriers on the global stage. In 1956, she became the first Black woman to win a Grand Slam tennis title at the French Open. The following year, she cemented her dominance by winning Wimbledon and the U.S. Open, completing an extraordinary streak of four consecutive Grand Slam victories—an achievement still referred to as the “Althea Slam.” Her groundbreaking success paved the way for future generations of athletes, with legends like Billie Jean King continuing to champion her legacy.

Her accomplishments extended far beyond tennis. Gibson became the first Black woman to compete on the LPGA Tour, authored books, recorded music, and even appeared on screen alongside John Wayne. At the height of her popularity, she toured with the Harlem Globetrotters, thrilling audiences by showcasing her tennis skills on basketball courts.

The U.S. Open has long celebrated Gibson’s impact. In 2019, a statue in her honor was unveiled outside Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York, a lasting tribute to her pioneering role in tennis.

Center Court Tribute

This year, the 2025 U.S. Open will once again spotlight her remarkable journey. During opening week on August 22, members of Gibson’s beloved sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha (Beta Alpha Chapter), will perform as part of the ceremonies. That is hosted by another FAMU Alum, Rashad Ali, and FAMU Alum “DJ Radio Champ” will provide the soundtrack for the evening. Adding to the celebration, the renowned Florida A&M Marching “100” pep band will take center court on August 27. Bringing the spirit of her alma mater to one of tennis’ biggest stages.

Althea Gibson’s story is one of courage, versatility, and triumph. A legacy that continues to inspire not just FAMU but the entire world of sports.

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The team teased her arrival back in April on the team’s official Instagram account, which posted a video of the 5-foot-7 sophomore kicker from Boxmeer, Netherlands, speaking with head coach Terrell Buckley and defensive pass game coordinator Mario Edwards Sr. before attempting — and making — a field goal in front of her new teammates. The caption read: “When we said New Era we meant it! Join us in welcoming our newest kicker to the team.”

From the Netherlands to the Delta

Schiks arrived at MVSU in 2024 as a women’s soccer team defender, playing in 10 matches with three starts. She also competed on the women’s tennis team last spring. Though she won’t return to the Devilettes’ soccer roster in 2025, she’ll now take her shot — literally — in football.

The Delta Devils already have three other kickers on the 2025 roster. Returners Nicholas Stephens, Marko Jovisic, and Indiana State transfer Marko Dubak make up a crowded specialist room. Last season, Jovisic converted 20 extra points, went 4-for-9 on field goals (including two blocked kicks), and drilled a long of 51 yards while handling kickoff duties. Stephens was listed as a punter but didn’t see live attempts, and Dubak, who previously played at College of DuPage and Florida A&M, redshirted the 2024 season.

That depth means Schiks will have to fight for her spot on the field — and by all accounts, she’s ready for it.

Following a SWAC Rival’s Lead

Schiks’s arrival comes just one year after Jackson State University’s Leilani Armenta made history as the school’s first female football player. In 2023, Armenta became the first woman to score points in an HBCU football game, converting three extra points in a 40–14 win over Arkansas–Pine Bluff. She added another point in 2024 before signing with the Mississippi Panthers of the Women’s National Football Conference in 2025.

Their stories follow a long, though rare, history of women appearing in college football — from Liz Heaston at Willamette in 1997 to Sarah Fuller’s Power Five debut for Vanderbilt in 2020.

A Season of Opportunity

The Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils open their season at home against Southern on August 30, giving Schiks a shot to become the next woman to make history on the gridiron. For her, it’s simple: perform, compete, and help the team win.

Whether lining up for a clutch kick or grinding through practice, Nina Schiks represents more than a roster addition — she’s part of a growing movement in HBCU sports proving that barriers are made to be broken.

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Taylor’s family confirmed his passing earlier this week. A member of the Broncos’ inaugural 1960 roster, Taylor made football history twice — first as one of the AFL’s most dominant receivers, and later in 1980 when he was named offensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams, breaking a racial barrier in the NFL.

A record-setting playing career

Before coaching, Taylor became the first player in pro football history to record 100 receptions in a single season. He retired as Denver’s career leader in receptions (543), receiving yards (6,872), and touchdown catches (44). Those first two records stood for more than three decades.

A three-time AFL All-Star, Taylor led the league in receptions in five of its first six seasons. His 102.9 receiving yards per game in 1960 remain the highest single-season average in Denver Broncos franchise history.

Taylor was one of the first four inductees into the Broncos’ Ring of Fame in 1984 and entered the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame in 1970.

“He had hands like vice grips,” AFL historian Dave Steidel once said. “If a pass was near him, he was getting it.”

Breaking barriers in coaching

After ending his playing career with the Houston Oilers in 1968, Taylor transitioned to the sidelines. As receivers coach with the Pittsburgh Steelers, he won two Super Bowls and mentored Hall of Famers Lynn Swann and John Stallworth.

His appointment as the Rams’ offensive coordinator in 1980 made him the first Black coach to hold a coordinator position in the NFL. This milestone inspired a new generation of minority coaches.

“We all need role models in life, and fortunately, there was a Lionel Taylor there that I could look at and say, ‘Yeah, this is possible,’” Hall of Fame coach Tony Dungy said in 2024.

Time at an HBCU

Taylor’s coaching path eventually led him to the college ranks. From 1984 to 1988, he led Texas Southern University, an HBCU in Houston. His tenure was challenging, and he finished with a 13-41-1 record.

His best season came in 1987, when the Tigers went 5-6 overall and placed fifth in the SWAC. Despite the struggles, Taylor’s leadership added to the long tradition of professional athletes returning to HBCUs to mentor young talent.

Early life and legacy

Born Aug. 15, 1935, in West Virginia, Taylor played football and basketball at New Mexico Highlands University. In 1959, he entered the NFL as an undrafted linebacker with the Chicago Bears. The following year, he joined the expansion Broncos and quickly became one of the AFL’s most productive receivers.

Taylor spent his later years near Albuquerque, New Mexico, and returned to Denver in 2024 to be honored by the team.

“Denver is home,” Taylor told NFL Films in 2024. “It will always be home.”

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Born in 1942 in segregated Asheville, North Carolina, Ferguson began his journey toward justice as a student activist. He helped desegregate public spaces such as lunch counters and libraries through peaceful protest.

HBCU Education and Legal Foundation

After graduating from North Carolina Central University, an HBCU in Durham, NC, he earned his law degree from Columbia University. He returned to North Carolina and opened his first law office in 1964. Just three years later, he co-founded the state’s first racially integrated law firm with Julius Chambers and Adam Stein.

Landmark Supreme Court Case: Swann v. Charlotte-Mecklenburg

In 1971, Ferguson co-argued the landmark Swann v. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education case before the U.S. Supreme Court. The court’s ruling allowed school busing as a tool for desegregation, setting a nationwide precedent. During the trial, Ferguson’s law office was set on fire by an arsonist, but he remained undeterred.

“You look at a situation, you see what needs to be done, and then you do it,” Ferguson said in a later interview. “You never give a lot of thought to the risk.”

Defender of Civil Rights and the Wrongfully Convicted

Throughout the 1970s and beyond, Ferguson took on many of the state’s most significant civil rights cases. He represented the Wilmington 10, a group of activists falsely convicted of arson, and helped secure their pardons decades later. He also defended the Charlotte 3 and Darryl Hunt, a Black man wrongly convicted of murder and later exonerated through DNA evidence.

International Civil Rights Work and Teaching Legacy

James Ferguson II’s commitment to justice reached beyond the U.S. In the 1980s, he traveled to South Africa to train Black lawyers during apartheid.

His influence extended into the classroom. Ferguson lectured at Harvard Law School and held appointments at the University of Pennsylvania and Santa Clara University. He also served as an adjunct professor at North Carolina Central University School of Law, giving back to the HBCU community that helped shape him.

Awards and Professional Recognition

In 2017, the Mecklenburg County Bar awarded Ferguson its Ayscue Professionalism Award. The honor recognized his integrity, legal excellence, and lifelong commitment to equality.

“Fergie would take on the unpopular cause with a zeal that is almost unnatural,” said attorney Frank Emory, a former colleague. “I think of his courage in every sense of the word.”

Ferguson was also a past president of the North Carolina Association of Black Lawyers and the North Carolina Association of Trial Lawyers. He served more than a decade as general counsel for the American Civil Liberties Union. He was named to the Inner Circle of Advocates, an elite group of top U.S. plaintiff attorneys.

A Legacy Rooted in HBCU Values

“Practicing civil rights law is just hard,” said former colleague Mel Watt. “Fergie kept his commitment going despite the trials and tribulations.”

Through it all, Ferguson remained grounded in the values nurtured during his time at an HBCU.

“I just want to feel that I’ve done all I can to bring about equality for everybody,” he said in 2016. “That’s what life is about – trying to create the society we think we want.”

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From JCSU Standout to NFL Starter

Norman’s football journey started with a leap of faith. Born the youngest of ten children in Lincolnton, Georgia, and raised in Charlotte, North Carolina, he attended Johnson C. Smith University — a historically Black university — on a scholarship offer from Coach Eddie McGirt. It was a chance that came without seeing him play, but Norman made the most of it.

At JCSU, he starred as a two-way player, earned All-CIAA honors twice, and lit up the track with a 9.7-second 100-yard dash. His alma mater later honored him with its top athletic accolade: the Pettis Norman Male and Female Athlete of the Year Award.

Undrafted, But Undeniable

Despite being selected in the 16th round of the 1962 AFL Draft by the Dallas Texans, Norman joined the NFL’s Cowboys as an undrafted free agent — thanks to a sharp-eyed scout named Gil Brandt, who would later join the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Norman spent nine seasons in Dallas, playing 133 games and averaging 13.6 yards per reception. 1970 he helped lead the Cowboys to their first Super Bowl appearance.

Leading Change On and Off the Field

While Norman’s on-field performance turned heads, his off-field leadership left a lasting imprint. In the Cowboys’ segregated early years, he convinced legendary head coach Tom Landry to stop assigning hotel rooms by race. He was also the first Black official at a Dallas bank — a milestone that reflected his influence in the business community.

“Pettis encouraged all of the players to open up bank accounts,” former teammate Calvin Hill recalled. “He encouraged us to establish credit. He encouraged us to get involved in the community.”

A Gentle Exit, A Lasting Impact

Norman’s character was on full display even in the final moments of his Cowboys tenure. Before trading him to the San Diego Chargers in 1971, Coach Landry visited Norman at his job to deliver the news in person — a rare gesture in the business of football.

“He said, ‘I’ve had to do the most difficult thing I’ve ever had to do in football. I’ve had to involve you in a trade,” Norman once recalled.

Norman would finish his career with the Chargers, but his presence in Dallas — and his legacy — never left.

Champion for Civil Rights and Economic Equity

Long before activism became a buzzword in pro sports, Pettis Norman was about that life. He began his civil rights journey by participating in lunch counter protests as a college student. In the 1990s, he founded the Dallas Together Forum, an initiative that pushed major corporations in Dallas to improve minority hiring practices and increase contracts for women- and minority-owned businesses.

“I tried to do whatever I could to help change the kinds of things that society had operated under for such a long time,” he once said.

Forever HBCU

Norman’s heart never left his HBCU roots. His contributions earned him a spot in the Johnson C. Smith University Hall of Fame and the CIAA Hall of Fame. More importantly, he remained an example of what HBCUs can produce: excellence, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to justice.

From sit-ins to Super Bowls, Pettis Norman lived his life like he played the game — with toughness, clarity, and purpose. He was a Dallas Cowboy, a civil rights warrior, and a proud HBCU product who never stopped fighting for better.

Rest in power, Pettis Norman.

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Crowell, a dominant force out of Carver High School, will be among 33 inductees honored at the 2025 GHSFHOF induction ceremony on October 25 at the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta. It’s a full-circle moment for a player once ranked as the nation’s No. 1 high school running back.

From Columbus to the Crown

At Carver, Crowell was a nightmare for defenses. As a junior, he racked up 1,915 rushing yards and 25 touchdowns on 185 carries. He followed that with 1,721 yards and 18 scores in his senior season. All part of a monster high school career that saw him total 4,872 rushing yards. The awards piled up. AJC All-Classifications Player of the Year, GACA North Georgia Player of the Year, and AJC Super 11 — to name a few.

He signed with the University of Georgia in 2011 and didn’t waste time making an impact, rushing for 856 yards and earning SEC Freshman of the Year honors. But legal trouble that summer cut his time in Athens short.

Redemption at Alabama State

Crowell transferred to Alabama State, an HBCU that gave him a second shot — and he made the most of it. Under head coach Reggie Barlow, he put up 1,964 yards and 30 touchdowns in two seasons, showing flashes of the brilliance that made him a blue-chip recruit.

“I was given a second chance by a lot of people, and I took advantage of it,” Crowell said in a 2021 interview with the Columbus Ledger-Enquirer. “When my son was born, I was like, ‘I want to be successful.’ It was a turning point.”

Despite those big numbers, Crowell went undrafted in 2014 — a crushing blow that brought him to tears. But the Cleveland Browns came calling, and his NFL dream was back on.

The Pro Grind

Crowell signed a three-year deal with Cleveland and proved he belonged. As a rookie, he ranked second in rushing touchdowns (8) and fifth in rushing yards (607) among all first-year players. By 2016, he was hitting his stride with 952 rushing yards, the best season of his pro career.

His production earned him a three-year, $12 million deal with the New York Jets in 2018. He made headlines early for his electric play and a controversial touchdown celebration in a nationally televised return to Cleveland. Fined but unbothered, Crowell ran for 219 yards against the Broncos. Setting a franchise single-game record and the NFL’s all-time mark for most yards per carry in a game (14.33) with at least 15 attempts.

End of the Line, Peace in the Present

Crowell’s NFL career was ultimately cut short by injury—an Achilles tear in 2019 with the Oakland Raiders—but he says he has no regrets.

“I know I really accomplished my dream, and I really stood out,” he said. “The hard work paid off.”

Now focused on family, business, and charity, Crowell continues to give back to the Columbus community. His Feed the Crow Foundation hosts annual Thanksgiving events, donates meals to the homeless, and provides free youth football camps.

Hall of Fame Seal of Approval

The Georgia High School Football Hall of Fame selection committee didn’t shy away from Isaiah Crowell’s past — they embraced his total story. His high school dominance, HBCU resurgence, NFL impact, and community outreach made him a well-rounded, worthy inductee.

“He was explosive, he was electric, he was powerful. He had a great head for the game,” said DJ Jones, a fellow Carver alum and former NFL defensive back. “When you consider what he has done, the strides he’s made … that made an impact.”

From a five-star phenom to an HBCU success story to an NFL standout — and now, a Hall of Famer — Isaiah Crowell’s legacy in Georgia football is secure.

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From the Gridiron to the Pentagon

A native of Newport News, Virginia, Kilgo played football for the VUU Panthers from 1985 to 1988. His time on the field reflected the same discipline and leadership that would define his military career. Kilgo’s military journey, however, wasn’t part of his original plan. As a freshman, he accepted an ROTC scholarship as a practical backup.

“It was my Plan B,” he recalled. “I played football and knew if I couldn’t play for some reason, I needed an alternative plan to help me stay in school… it was not a lifelong ambition.”

But what started as a fallback quickly became a calling.

“I felt great about serving and fell in love with the people and the Army’s way of life,” Kilgo said. “I guess Plan B was in line with God’s plan for my life and not the alternative I was seeking.”

In 1988, Kilgo commissioned into the U.S. Army. Over the years, he rose through the ranks to become the Deputy Inspector General of the U.S. Army Inspector General Agency, retiring in 2022. The role placed him at the heart of military accountability and oversight.

A Career of Service and Excellence

Kilgo’s military résumé is as decorated as it is diverse. Over the span of his career, he has commanded at every level, held key operational roles, and earned multiple advanced degrees in pursuit of professional excellence. His leadership has impacted global operations, from cybersecurity initiatives to logistical command support across the Department of Defense.

Honoring an HBCU Legacy

The induction into the Hall of Fame at his HBCU is more than a personal achievement. It is a recognition of the enduring impact of his time at an HBCU on his life and career. For Kilgo, the lessons learned on the football field in the shadow of Richmond’s Lombardy Street were foundational.

“Congratulations to all on your induction into the Virginia Union ‘Tricky Tom’ Harris Athletic Hall of Fame,” said Joe Taylor, VUU Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics and Community Wellness. “You are joining an elite, distinguished group of extraordinary individuals. Your induction is a result of strong character, commitment, and dedication to personal growth and unselfish support of Virginia Union University. All of you embody the championship spirit of Tricky Tom Harris in strengthening the brand of our beloved university.”

A Testament to HBCU Impact

Kilgo’s story is emblematic of the pathways that HBCU institutions continue to provide for Black leaders. His journey from student-athlete to Major General underscores the role that VUU—and the broader HBCU community—play in producing leaders of consequence.

As Major General Mitchell Kilgo takes his place in the Hall of Fame. His career stands as a testament to the powerful intersection of service, scholarship, and sport that defines the HBCU experience.

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2001 MEAC Champion: Florida A&M Rattlers

• Overall Record: 7–4
• Conference Record: 7–1
• Head Coach: Billy Joe (8th season)
• Postseason: NCAA Division I-AA First Round (Lost 60–35 to Georgia Southern)
• Notable Victory: Defeated Bethune-Cookman 31–21 in the Florida Classic
  

Florida A&M’s offense was led by quarterback Quinn Gray, who concluded his collegiate career as one of the school’s all-time great passers. Gray held school records in pass attempts (1,113), completions (562), passing yards (7,378), and touchdown passes (57), and he twice earned All-Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference honors (2000, 2001), leading the Rattlers to back-to-back MEAC titles.

? 2001 SWAC Champion: Grambling State Tigers

• Overall Record: 10–1
• Conference Record: 6–1
• Head Coach: Doug Williams (4th season)
• Postseason: SWAC Championship Game (Defeated Alabama State 38–31)
• National Recognition: Ranked No. 8 in The Sports Network Poll; recognized as black college national champions

Grambling State’s offense was potent, averaging over 35 points per game. The Tigers’ only loss came in a close contest against Alabama State during the regular season, which they avenged in the SWAC Championship Game.

Grambling State and Florida A&M were actually scheduled to face off that year in what would have been a high-stakes midseason classic game.

The matchup was slated for the Riverfront Classic in Cincinnati at Paul Brown Stadium, home of the NFL’s Bengals. Both teams were 2–0 and ranked as the top two HBCU programs in the country at the time. The showdown had all the makings of a Celebration Bowl preview—or, in our alternate history, a true test of who should be crowned HBCU national champion.

However, the game was canceled in the aftermath of the September 11 terrorist attacks. The organizers made the announcement via a recorded message at their headquarters. The cancellation dealt a major financial blow, reportedly costing each school up to $400,000.

This lost opportunity deprived fans of what could have been a defining moment in HBCU football history. In our Celebration Bowl simulation, it leaves us without a direct head-to-head result between the two top-tier programs of that year.

Hypothetical 2001 Celebration Bowl/HBCU Champ

Considering Grambling State’s superior overall record, higher national ranking, and recognition as black college national champions, they would be the likely victors in a hypothetical 2001 Celebration Bowl matchup of Division I HBCU champions. Florida A&M’s postseason struggles, including a significant loss to Georgia Southern, further tilt the scales in favor of Grambling State.Wikipedia

Projected Winner: Grambling State Tigers

Stay tuned as we continue this series, analyzing each season up to 2014 to project potential Celebration Bowl outcomes and celebrate the rich history of HBCU football.

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Coach Wells graduated from Morehouse in 1974. He was a two-sport athlete who played football and ran track. In 1987, he returned to campus as a coach. His energy, passion, and leadership helped shape generations of Maroon Tigers.

A Championship Legacy in HBCU Athletics

Coach Wells worked closely with Head Coach Willie Hill to build one of the most dominant programs in HBCU history. Together, they led Morehouse to 38 Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) championships. These titles spanned cross-country, indoor track, and outdoor track and field.

Wells’ most recent achievement came in February 2025. The Maroon Tigers won the first-ever SIAC Indoor Track & Field Championship. That victory followed the 2024 SIAC Cross Country title. Under his leadership, Morehouse produced numerous All-SIAC athletes, NCAA qualifiers, and student leaders.

A Mentor and True Morehouse Man

“T.J. Wells was more than a coach—he was a cornerstone of our program,” said Athletic Director Harold Ellis. “He shared a vision for excellence that went beyond medals and trophies.”

Coach Willie Hill added, “Anybody can live. No one can live giving like Coach Wells. He was a true giver of life.”

Wells mentored young men with discipline, love, and purpose. His impact reached beyond athletics. He built a culture rooted in integrity, teamwork, and service. That culture still defines Morehouse athletics today.

A Life Dedicated to Service

In addition to coaching, Wells served his community. From 1973 to 1998, he worked as a Center Director for the City of Atlanta Department of Parks and Recreation. He also volunteered with Scouting America, mentoring youth across Atlanta.

Coach Wells lived with humility, dedication, and a belief in the power of education and sport. His commitment to Morehouse and the HBCU tradition was unmatched.

An Enduring Legacy in the HBCU World

Wells gave 38 years to Morehouse. In that time, he touched thousands of lives. His players remember him not just for wins, but for wisdom and heart.

Morehouse College will announce memorial details in the coming days. The community extends its deepest condolences to the Wells family, former athletes, and all who knew him.

Thomas Wells was a leader, a mentor, and a proud Morehouse Man. His legacy will live on through every athlete he inspired—and through every HBCU program that strives for excellence.

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During the 1950s and 60s, as the SEC, ACC, and much of the country resisted integration, HBCUs became pro football pipelines. Even before the NFL begrudgingly welcomed Black players after World War II, Black college football had already produced legendary figures—equal to, if not better than, their white counterparts.

Notre Dame got the name, but Morgan had the game

In 1933, Morgan College (now Morgan State University) fielded a backfield so electric that they were dubbed “The Four Horsemen,” echoing the famed Notre Dame quartet of the 1920s. While Harry Stuhldreher, Don Miller, Jim Crowley, and Elmer Layden became national icons at Notre Dame, Morgan’s stars—Thomas “Tank” Conrad, Howard “Brute” Wilson, John Sturgis, and Otis “What-A-Man” Troupe—earned acclaim primarily within Black media circles.

That season, the Bears went undefeated. They dominated the CIAA and outscored opponents 319–6, recording eight shutouts under head coach Edward P. Hurt.

Coach Edward P. Hurt’s Impact

Hurt arrived at Morgan in 1929 after a strong run at Virginia Seminary (now VUL). His 1933 squad’s 9–0 record earned them the CIAA title and the Black college national championship.

In December, Black newspapers across the country ran a photo of the four backs under the headline “The Four Horsemen of the Morgan College Eleven.” Like Notre Dame’s group, the nickname evoked biblical imagery of dominance. Morgan’s quartet lost just two games from 1930 through 1935.

Meet the Four Horsemen

Tom “Tank”?Conrad – The Gritty Captain

A 220 pound left halfback and team captain, Conrad scored nine touchdowns and an extra point in 1933. After college, he played for the New York Brown Bombers, a team coached by Fritz Pollard. His tough, punishing style earned him the nickname “Negro Nagurski.”

Conrad later became a successful coach, leading Delaware State (1943–49) and Winston?Salem State (1950–1969), where he won 98 games. He also served as a professor of physical education.

Howard “Brute/Brutus”?Wilson – The Tactical Maestro

Wilson commanded the backfield as Morgan’s quarterback. He scored 12 touchdowns in 1933, helping secure a second straight CIAA crown.

Post-graduation, he built a powerhouse high school team in Smithfield, NC, then led Winston-Salem Teachers College to an undefeated season in 1941. He hired Clarence “Big House” Gaines, who would later become a basketball legend. Wilson also coached Shaw to an unbeaten season in 1947 and held multiple athletic roles at Morgan. He was inducted into the CIAA Hall of Fame in 2001.

John “Johnnie”?Sturgis – The All?Round Performer

Sturgis was a versatile right halfback and CIAA javelin record holder. Known for his rushing, passing, and kicking, he epitomized the multi-sport athlete long before it was common. While less is known about his post-college life, his skill set set a standard for future HBCU stars.

Otis “What-A-Man”Troupe – The Dynamic Fullback

Just a sophomore in 1933, Troupe earned letters in football, basketball, and track—and even sang tenor in the choir. He played key roles in Morgan’s 1934 and 1935 title runs and later joined the Brown Bombers. Troupe coached at Howard University, joined the D.C. Police, and later became a referee. He passed away in 1994.

Shut Out of the NFL

Despite their dominance, Morgan’s Four Horsemen never got a shot at the NFL. As they starred in the CIAA, NFL owners like George Preston Marshall pushed for a “gentleman’s agreement” to exclude Black players—a ban that lasted until after WWII.

When integration finally came, Morgan alumni like Len Ford (who transferred to Michigan) and Rosey Brown found success and even earned Hall of Fame recognition. But by then, white colleges —including Notre Dame— were poaching Black talent, and Morgan—and Hurt—faded from the national spotlight.

Notre Dame got due, Morgan still waiting

Hurt won 73 percent of his games as a football coach, dominated CIAA track, and found success in basketball. He captured 14 CIAA titles. Yet he still isn’t in the College Football Hall of Fame. Neither are any of Morgan’s Four Horsemen—while Notre Dame’s group was fully enshrined by 1970.

Morgan State’s legendary quartet and their coach deserve far more recognition. They didn’t ride into mainstream fame like Notre Dame’s Horsemen, but they carved out a legacy built on excellence, resilience, and dignity. Their story remains a blueprint for today’s HBCU athletes and a reminder of what history too often overlooks.

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In 2000, the MEAC was won by Florida A&M University. Under head coach Billy Joe, the Rattlers finished with a 9–3 overall record and a 7–1 conference mark. Their season included a dramatic 31–28 win over rival Bethune-Cookman to secure the MEAC title. FAMU’s potent offense helped them earn an NCAA Division I-AA playoff berth, although they were shut out by Western Kentucky in the opening round. Quarterback Quinn Gray was a seasoned vet who put up impressive stats for most of the season.

Grambling State, meanwhile, emerged as the SWAC champion in Doug Williams’ third season at the helm. The Tigers went 10–2 overall and 6–1 in conference play, capped by a 14–6 win over Alabama A&M in the SWAC Championship Game. That victory earned Grambling State the HBCU national championship recognition from several outlets.

What makes the hypothetical Celebration Bowl for 2000 even more intriguing is that Grambling State and Florida A&M actually played that year—in a regular season matchup. Grambling narrowly defeated FAMU 12–10, a gritty win that gives us a rare data point in this fictional series.

Considering Grambling’s win in the head-to-head matchup, stronger record, and status as the consensus HBCU national champion, the edge goes to the Tigers in this alternate universe.

Hypothetical 2000 Celebration Bowl Winner: Grambling State

As we continue this series, we’ll revisit each season from 2001 to 2014 to project who might have lifted the Celebration Bowl trophy had the game existed. Each matchup reveals something unique about HBCU football history—and the championship-caliber teams that helped shape it.

Stay tuned as we dive into the 2001 season next, where another powerhouse Grambling team faces FAMU once again for HBCU bragging rights.

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For a transitioning program, Totten’s arrival brings not only credibility but also a wealth of experience steeped in the greatness of Black college football.

A Legendary Playing Career at Mississippi Valley State

Totten made history at Mississippi Valley State in the early 1980s. As the quarterback, he teamed up with wide receiver Jerry Rice to form one of the most explosive duos in college football history. The two shattered multiple NCAA records in a high-powered offense that grabbed national attention.

While Rice went on to NFL stardom and became one of the greatest receivers of all time, Totten’s pro path was less conventional. He played in the Canadian Football League, the Arena Football League, and briefly in the NFL as a replacement player during the 1987 strike.

Totten’s Deep Ties to HBCU Football and the SWAC

Totten’s legacy goes far beyond his playing days. He returned to Mississippi Valley State in various coaching roles, eventually serving as head coach from 2002 to 2009. His deep connection with the school is undeniable—the football stadium in Itta Bena, Mississippi, is named Rice-Totten Stadium in honor of the legendary pair.

His influence has remained strong in HBCU football, where he has served in several coaching and administrative roles. Few figures are more connected to the heartbeat of HBCU football than Willie Totten.

A Major Boost for First-Year Coach Marlon Watson

Fort Valley State is entering a new chapter with head coach Marlon Watson at the helm. Bringing in a proven leader like Totten, who understands the culture, history, and grind of HBCU football, gives the Wildcats an edge few Division II programs can claim.

Totten’s knowledge, leadership, and legacy will be invaluable for player development, especially at the quarterback position. His presence also sends a strong message to recruits: Fort Valley is serious about returning to the top.

For Watson and his staff, Totten isn’t just another assistant. He’s a walking chapter of HBCU football history. His presence will be instrumental in developing quarterbacks, instilling discipline, and raising the bar across the board. More than anything, he gives Fort Valley State instant credibility, reminding players and recruits alike that greatness is within reach when legends lead the way.

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BALTIMORE, Md. – The Penn Relays Carnival is gearing up to celebrate a new class of legends. It is announcing the inductees for its prestigious 2025 Wall of Fame. This year’s honorees comprise four exceptional individuals and two remarkable relay teams, including a record-breaking HBCU relay team from Morgan State. Their contributions to the Carnival have left an indelible mark on the event’s rich history. 

The formal induction ceremony is set to be a highlight of the 2025 Penn Relays. It will take place on the final day, Saturday, April 26th, at the iconic Franklin Field. Providing a fitting stage to recognize and celebrate these athletes’ outstanding achievements.

Morgan State’s fabled 1950 record-breaking 4×440 yard Championship of America relay team will be inducted into the Penn Relays Wall of Fame. The HBCU foursome consisted of Samuel LaBeach, Robert Tyler, William Brown, and George Rhoden.

Record Breakers

In 1950, Morgan’s sensational quartet ran off with the prize race at the Penn Relay Carnival in the record-breaking time of 3:13.6, breaking the previous Penn Relays record of 3:14.8 that had stood since 1939. The team featured LaBeach (49.9), Tyler (48.7), Brown (47.5), and Rhoden (47.5), giving Morgan its first victory at the Penn Relays and vindicated themselves for a disqualification that had deprived them of the same honor in 1949.

In 1949, the Morgan foursome’s track prowess was undeniable, having decisively outpaced a formidable field, including Cornell, NYU, Georgetown, Army, Manhattan, and Villanova. However, a controversial ruling snatched victory from their grasp. Despite finishing behind the Morgan team. NYU was awarded the win based on a claim that LaBeach, a member of the Morgan quartet, had illegally used his hands on the initial turn. Allegedly jeopardizing his team’s qualification. The sting of the decision was amplified by the significant margin of victory. NYU, timed at 3:15.6, trailed the Bears by approximately 20 yards. Giving rise to the presumption Morgan must have done close to a 3.14 for their triumph.

After Morgan’s 1950 breakthrough victory, the Bears established a dynasty, claiming four more 4×440 titles over the next 32 years.  This period solidified Morgan’s reputation as a sprinting relay national powerhouse in collegiate track throughout the 1950s.

Nationwide Attention

The HBCU team continued to win at the prestigious Melrose Games in New York City and other meets throughout the country. The historic four ran a 3:09.4 at the Los Angeles Coliseum Relays, two seconds off the World Record. Morgan State College gained widespread recognition. Sports Illustrated, Time Magazine, Ebony Magazine, and the Afro-American Newspaper featured the team in their publications. The foursome became goodwill ambassadors for Morgan, both nationally and internationally.

The Penn Relays Wall of Fame was created in 1994 to celebrate the Carnival’s 100th running. The class of 2025 brings the number of inductees to 130 individuals and 117 relay teams. This year’s individuals and relay squads were selected by a panel of Penn Relays experts. Inductees are honored solely for their accomplishments at the Penn Relays; achievements in any other meets are not considered. The Penn Relays office will accept nominations of relay teams and individuals at any time and from any interested party. 

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ORANGEBURG, SC – The South Carolina State (SC State) Athletics Department is mourning the passing of retired Hall of Fame HBCU basketball coach Lyman Foster. Foster, 76, died Monday evening at his Orangeburg residence. Arrangements will be announced later by Simmons Funeral Home and Crematory of Orangeburg.

“We are all saddened by the passing of Coach Lyman Foster,” SC State interim Athletics Director Oliver “Buddy” Pough said. “He was a part of the great athletic legacy here at SC State and will be missed. The University offers its condolences and support to his family and all who loved him. He was a great coach and an outstanding professor in the PE department. We ask prayers for the family from the community during this sad time.”

A Tuskegee, AL native, Foster began his SC State coaching career in 1974-1975 as an assistant to the late Willie Simon. When the University reinstated its women’s basketball program. As Simon’s assistant, he helped the Lady Bulldogs to 305 victories and just 93 losses during a 14-year stint (1974-1988). SC State became one of the most dominant women’s programs in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) and the nation during his tenure as Simon’s assistant.

Stellar Career

During the period, the Lady Bulldogs won five MEAC championships. Several AIAW (Association for Intercollegiate Athletics for Women) state and regional titles. Captured the AIAW Division II National Crown during the 1978-79 season, after finishing as the national runner-up the previous year. In 1982-1983, the HBCU earned a berth in the NCAA playoffs when the Lady Bulldogs defeated LaSalle 85-67 on the road to become the first HBCU team – men or women – to win an NCAA postseason tournament game.

Foster, who also served as a physical education professor at SC State. Succeeded Simon as head coach following the 1987-1988 campaign. He went on to compile a five-year (1988-1983) 79-68 record and won three MEAC crowns. In addition, he was the men’s golf coach for the Bulldogs for five seasons (1988-1993) and guided SC State to three National Minority Collegiate Golf titles and two runner-up finishes.

Hall of Famer

He was inducted into the SCSU Athletic Hall of Fame as an individual in 2004 after going in as a member of the AIAW National Championship Team in 2000.

The Alabama State graduate began his college coaching career at Coppin State in Baltimore, MD, as a men’s assistant for one season (1971-1972), before joining the Physical Education Department at SC State as an instructor.

Also, during a 13-year high school coaching career, which included stops at Scot’s Branch, Holly Hill-Roberts, and Orangeburg-Wilkinson, he won 270 games and reached the state championship finals three times. He later served three seasons (2012-2015) a volunteer assistant for the Claflin women’s team.

Foster earned a bachelor’s at Alabama State in 1970 and a master’s from Pittsburgh in 1971. He did further study at the University of Alabama,

He was a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. for over 50 years, a longtime basketball official in the Palmetto State, and a member of several coaching and community organizations. Foster is survived by his wife, Linda W. Foster of the home; two children: Shana and Sean; a granddaughter and other relatives and friends.

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The decision to leave the CIAA was not made lightly, and it took nearly 18 months to complete. For decades, the CIAA had been a cornerstone of HBCU sports, fostering legendary athletes like Earl Monroe, Sam Jones etc. and coaches like Clarence “Big House” Gaines, John McLendon and Edward P. Hurt . However, by the late 1960s, cracks began to show in the conference’s structure. The CIAA had ballooned to 18 member schools by the end of the decade making scheduling and governance increasingly difficult. 

“There were just too many variables between the schools in the CIAA,” explained Dr. LeRoy Walker, then president of North Carolina Central and a key architect of the MEAC. “Variables in student body size, in financial support for athletics, and in the pursuit of excellence.”

The larger, better-resourced HBCUs like North Carolina A&T and Morgan State sought to align themselves with schools of similar size and ambition. These universities felt stifled within a conference where disparities in resources and priorities often led to compromises that they felt hindered athletic and academic growth.

As one MEAC official noted, “The new conference will require participation in eight sports, round-robin scheduling, freshman programs, and NCAA membership. We expect to be granted university division status.”

This ambition to compete at the highest collegiate level was a defining feature of the MEAC’s formation.

The CIAA, established in 1912, was a trailblazer in Black college sports. Its annual basketball tournament drew massive crowds and served as a cultural touchstone for HBCU communities. However, its rapid growth created logistical headaches. Round-robin scheduling was impossible, and its point-based standings system often left teams and fans frustrated.

This came to a head in the late 1940s, when adding schools such as Winston-Salem Teachers College and Delaware State pushed membership to 16 schools. The league continued to get bigger in the following decades when it added Maryland State (now Maryland Eastern Shore), Fayetteville State and Norfolk State out of the Eastern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (EIAC). 

Some teams had gaudy records but didn’t get to see tough competition, meaning the football championship was determined by the Dickinson System while the league’s surging basketball tournament was limited to just eight teams. Schools such as Winston-Salem, North Carolina A&T, Norfolk State pretty much made yearly appearances while schools like Virginia Union, Johnson C. Smith and North Carolina College made it intermittently and schools like Hampton and Howard rarely sniffed it.

Moreover, the sheer diversity of its member institutions—ranging from small private colleges to increasingly larger state HBCUs —meant that governance often favored compromise over bold decision-making. This dynamic was considered untenable for the larger schools, which had their sights set on competing with predominantly white institutions (PWIs) in the NCAA’s upper echelons.

In the aftermath of the Civil Rights movement and the beginnings of integration of college athletics, it was clear that great change was on the horizon. This was also the age of Nixon and the discussion between black capitalism vs. black cooperativism as eloquently written by Dick Gregory. “We shall overcome” was quickly turning into “I gotta get mine.”  And the heads of the larger, better resourced HBCUs saw themselves as prime candidates to cash in on what lay around the corner in the 1970s and beyond. 

“Black Capitalism at its finest will never catch up to a white capitalism for the simple reason that blacks are starting with more than a hundred year disadvantage,” Gregory wrote at the time. “The current mood surrounding bother black capitalism concept will only end up producing another segregated system in this country.”

“What is needed is a concept of black cooperativism. Black capitalism as it is currently understood means a few individuals establishing a business to make a profit. The development of cooperative business allows many people to work for profit rather than survival. It is cooperativism rather than capitalism, which stands a stands of chance of ending the current  paternalistic overtones of federal programs. “

(Go To Page Two for More)

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NEW ORLEANS — Former HBCU, NBA basketball player Donald “Slick” Watts, one of the brightest HBCU basketball stars in Xavier University of Louisiana’s athletic constellation, died Saturday (March 15, 2025). He was 73 years old. Funeral arrangements have not been announced. Watts’ health declined after a stroke in April 2021. He was a member of the first XULA Athletic Hall of Fame class—he attended that induction on Nov. 3, 2022, on the campus—and was one of the leaders of the renaissance of XULA men’s basketball during the early 1970s.

He played for the New Orleans-based HBCU from 1970-73 and produced 1,460 points and 331 assists—both XULA career records at the time and still among the best numbers at the HBCU. In each of Watts’ final two seasons, XULA won NAIA District 30 tournament championships and won at NAIA nationals. During Watts’ senior season, the Gold Rush upset unbeaten and top-ranked Sam Houston State 67-60 to reach the NAIA quarterfinals. No XULA men’s basketball team since then has advanced that far.

Survivors include a sister, Felicia Watts Wheatley, whose daughter, McKenna Wheatley, is a XULA junior and part of the No. 1 doubles team with Mbali Langa in the Intercollegiate Collegiate Tennis Association NAIA March rankings. Wheatley and Langa won the ITA Cup NAIA doubles championship in October.
       

More on Slick Watts:

        •  Played six seasons in the NBA (1973-79), starting with the Seattle SuperSonics as an undrafted free agent
        •  NBA career statistics: 437 games and per-game averages of 8.9 points, 3.2 rebounds, 6.1 assists and 2.2 steals
        •  One of 16 selected in 2007 to the Seattle SuperSonics 40th-anniversary team
        •  Received the NBA’s J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award for exemplary community service in 1975-76 . . . he was the second recipient of this award
        •  Also in 1975-76, he was chosen to the NBA All-Defensive team
        •  In 1975-76 with Seattle, he was the first to lead the NBA in steals and assists in the same season
        •  According to basketball-reference.com, he ranks seventh on the NBA/ABA career list with 2.20 steals per game and 57th with 6.13 assists per game through the 2023-24 season
        •  One of his Gold Rush teammates was Bruce Seals, also a 2022 Xavier University of Louisiana Athletic Hall of Fame inductee
        •  ESPN in 2004 ranked him among the 16 “coolest athletes of all time.”
        •  Credited for popularizing the wearing of the headband by basketball players
        •  Other inductions:
        — Louisiana Basketball Hall of Fame in 1991
        — Allstate Sugar Bowl Greater New Orleans Sports Hall of Fame in 1996
        — Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame in 2011
        •  Born in Rolling Fork, Miss.

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The Texas Southern University Sports Hall of Fame has announced 13 new inductees for its 2025 class. The latest class includes a mix of legendary head coaches, standout HBCU student-athletes from 10 sports, and a pair of administrators who played a major part in the foundation of the athletic department’s current success.
 
“I’m excited to announce the committee’s recommendations of our Hall of Fame Class,” said Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics Dr. Kevin Granger. “We have a diverse group of individuals who are both record-setting standouts and trailblazers in their respective sports at TSU. Along with honoring our former student-athletes, this class also features a pair of former head coaches who made history in their sports while also having the opportunity to honor a pair of former administrators who’ve laid the groundwork for the success we’re currently experiencing at TSU. I also want to thank the committee for their hard work once again in assembling another historical class.”

The 2025 class, which marks the fifth induction class overall and the second consecutive class since the Hall of Fame was reinstated in 2024, will be inducted during Homecoming week at the HBCU in October 2025.

Ray Carrington III, Tennis
Gaylord Davis, Men’s Basketball
Coach Nathaniel Gillespie, Men’s/Women’s Basketball
Cortez Hankton Jr., Football
John Hartfield, Men’s Track and Field
Dr. Charles McClelland, Administration 
Coach Johnnie Means, Swimming
Kassandra Rivera, Women’s Golf
Yvette Wilson Scales, Supporter/Contributor
Thomas Sieh, Football
Denise Taylor, Women’s Basketball
Linda Weekly, Women’s Track and Field
Fred West, Men’s Basketball

Cortez Hankton Jr., Football
All-time career leader in receiving yardage at Texas Southern University (3,400)… earned third team Division I-AA All-America honors at TSU…holds the single-season receiving yards record (1,270) in 2002…holds the longest touchdown reception in school history (99 yards/2002)…third all-time in single season touchdown receptions (13/2002)…second all-time in touchdown receptions (30) and third in all-time receptions (175)…third in single season scoring (80/2002)…sixth in single season all-purpose yards (1,311/2002)…two-time All-SWAC receiver under Bill Thomas… currently the Co-Offensive Coordinator/Wide Receivers Coach at LSU.

READ MORE ABOUT THE 2025 CLASS HERE.

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The Texas Southern University Sports Hall of Fame has announced 13 new inductees for its 2025 class. The latest class includes a mix of legendary HBCU head coaches, standout student-athletes from 10 sports, and a pair of administrators who played a major part in the foundation of the athletic department’s current success.
 
“I’m excited to announce the committee’s recommendations of our Hall of Fame Class,” said Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics Dr. Kevin Granger. “We have a diverse group of individuals who are both record-setting standouts and trailblazers in their respective sports at TSU. Along with honoring our former student-athletes, this class also features a pair of former head coaches who made history in their sports while also having the opportunity to honor a pair of former administrators who’ve laid the groundwork for the success we’re currently experiencing at TSU. I also want to thank the committee for their hard work once again in assembling another historical class.”

The 2025 class, which marks the fifth induction class overall and the second consecutive class since the Hall of Fame was reinstated in 2024, will be inducted during Homecoming week at the HBCU in October of 2025.

Dr. Charles McClelland, Administration 
Served as Texas Southern University Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics from 2008-2018… TSU claimed a total of twenty-five (25) championships over the course of nine years under his watch…made major strides and set the tone for the success of the athletic department academically in the areas of Academic Progress Rate (APR) and Graduation Success Rate (GSR)…secured funding for multiple facility enhancements and increased exposure for TSU athletics during his tenure…led TSU to its first-ever C.D. Henry Award for the top men’s program in the SWAC following the 2014-15 season….currently serves as Commissioner of the Southwestern Athletic Conference, .

READ MORE ABOUT THE 2025 CLASS HERE.

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He played quarterback, kick returner, punter, and wide receiver for Florida A&M coach Rudy Hubbard.  He led his Godby Cougars (Tallahassee) to the top-level state championship in 1976 by defeating Miami Carol City, a virtual powerhouse in the state of Florida.   He was a part of the 1978 Rattler football team that won the first-ever FCS playoffs, being crowned NCAA Division I-AA national champion.  He was also a major part in FAMU’s historic upset of the University of Miami Hurricanes in 1979 when the Rattlers defeated a Howard Schnellenberger-led hurricane team 16-13.

Knight was small in stature, but big on plays. In Hubbard’s option offense, Knight was a threat at quarterback.  His ability to read the defense put opponents at a disadvantage.  His ability to keep the ball and make big plays was legendary.  Knight would reverse field and put the crowd on edge, often retreating ground to speed his way around the edge.  He was a solid passer as well.

In Hubbard’s offense, Knight would also play wide receiver.  His speed and elusiveness led to big plays for the one of the greatest teams in HBCU football history.  That same energy went when he was returning punts.  He would switch directions and reverse field with the best of them.

One of Knight’s shining moments was against the University of Miami Hurricanes in 1979.  Knight would be elusive as a punt returner, putting the Rattlers in a position to attack the FBS level school.  His speed and shifty moves kept the Hurricanes off balance allowing for the Rattler offense to begin in good field position. Knight would also play a pivotal role as a wide receiver in the game that was played at Florida State’s Doak Campbell Stadium.

In another historic HBCU football moment, Knight would be the FAMU punter for the 1978 season.  In the NCAA I-AA championship game against the University of Massachusetts, Knight would face an enormous headwind.  Former FAMU coach Amos Hill accurately described the scenario in a yet-to-be-released documentary about the season.  “We were in Wichita Falls, Texas and it was a cold, windy day.  And, the thing that I remember most was Sammy Knight.  It was fourth down and we had to punt the ball and we were in our territory on the minus side of the field, Sammy punted the ball and the ball came right back over Sammy’s head and he would have to down it himself,” Hill said. Knight, who had resided in Daytona Beach, FL for the last several years, owned a tree and landscaping business.  He became ill last year and succumbed to the illness.

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IRVING, Texas – The National Football Foundation (NFF) & College Hall of Fame announced today that HBCU Football legend Michael Strahan of Texas Southern University will be a part of the 2025 College Football Hall of Fame Class.

Strahan, the first-ever NFF College Football Hall of Famer from the HBCU, was an unstoppable force and sack machine on the defensive line at Texas Southern, dominating the Southwestern Athletic Conference and leaving an indelible mark on the Tigers’ program. The Houston, Texas, native now becomes the first person ever from Texas Southern to enter the College Football Hall of Fame.

A First Team All-American in 1992, Strahan was the kind of player that kept opposing offensive coordinators up at night. He was more often than not double-teamed by opposing offensive linemen, which his coaches referred to as “Strahan rules.” He recorded a school record 19 sacks while amassing 32 tackles for losses for 142 yards in his senior season, claiming 1992 Division I-AA Defensive Player of the Year and Black College Defensive Player of the Year honors.

As a junior in 1991, Strahan led the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) with 14.5 sacks. His career total of 41.5 sacks remains a Texas Southern record. He was a two-time First-Team All-SWAC pick and was twice named SWAC Player of the Year (1991, 1992).

Selected in the second round (40th overall) pick in the 1993 NFL Draft by the Giants, Strahan played 15 seasons with the Giants, twice leading the NFL in sacks (including setting the record for sacks in a single season with 22.5 in 2001) while earning four First Team and two Second Team All-Pro selections. He was a member of the Super Bowl XLII-winning team, finishing his career with 141.5 sacks.

Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2014, he has also been inducted into the Black College Football Hall of Fame, the Southwestern Athletic Conference Hall of Fame, Texas Sports Hall of Fame, and the Texas Southern Sports Hall of Fame. His number has been retired at his HBCU, and he received an honorary doctorate of humane letters from his alma mater in 2013. He was named to the Senior Bowl 75th Anniversary Team in 2024. The Giants retired his No. 92, and his name appears in the Giants Ring of Honor.

An Emmy winner and Peabody award-winning journalist, Michael Strahan currently is a co-host on ABC’s Good Morning America and as an analyst on FOX NFL Sunday. He also has an eponymous lifestyle brand, Michael Strahan, a top seller across more than 50 categories, including men’s and boy’s clothing, accessories, and skin care.

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“It is difficult to put into words the depth of our loss with the passing of Mr. Mitchell,” the CIAA said in a statement. “Since 2018, his absence at the tournament has been profoundly felt. Mr. Mitchell will forever hold a cherished place in the CIAA family, having created countless beautiful memories for our fans, students, and partners over the span of more than four decades. As a distinguished member of the CIAA Hall of Fame, Class of 2016, his remarkable legacy will endure for generations to come. During this time of honoring and celebrating his extraordinary life, we extend our heartfelt prayers for comfort and peace to the Mitchell family.”

Abraham Mitchell, a mortician by trade, began by wearing a shirt and tie to support his nephew who played at Norfolk State back in the early 1970s. He then decided to change clothes at half-time, wearing colors from both teams. That eventually turned into wearing the school colors of all of the conference teams. 

Players, coaches and schools came and left the conference, it moved from Greensboro to Hampton, to Richmond to Norfolk, to Winston-Salem, Raleigh and Charlotte but Mr. CIAA was their year after year. Well, besides that one year when then-commissioner Leon Kerry kicked him out of the tournament. But he came back and eventually became a part of the growth of the CIAA Tournament as it moved on from smaller cities in North Carolina and Virginia to Charlotte in the mid-2000s. 

As the tournament grew, so did his legacy in the HBCU world and beyond. He not only attended the CIAA Tournament, but frequently showed up to support Norfolk State and made a cameo or two at the MEAC Tournament. As news of his death hit social media on Tuesday night, hundreds posted their photos with him in one of his signature suits which he continued to swap in and out at a prolific pace as the years continued to go by. He was eventually inducted into the John McLendon CIAA Hall of Fame in 2016 and continued to appear yearly through 2018.

There was definitely a stir when Mr. Mitchell didn’t show up to the 2019 tournament. Part of his larger-than-life status was that he didn’t have a schedule or a press conference like the teams and athletes — he just showed up every year. So when he did not show up in that season, many wondered if he was alright or even still with us. He revealed to the media that he was still alive, he just didn’t have transportation to make it to the tournament with his suits that year.

However, Abraham Mitchell made a triumphant return to the CIAA Tournament in 2020. His stay wasn’t quite as long and his outfit changes weren’t as extensive, but he was there and that was a comfort to the HBCU basketball fans that showed up in the Spectrum Center.

That would be his last CIAA Tournament, however. The tournament didn’t take place in 2021 due to COVID-19 and when it started back up in Baltimore, we looked for him but he never showed. There would be yearly speculation as to whether or not he was still with us given his age, but someone would always confirm that he was still around.

And then Tuesday night came. A message came through around 6 PM that Mr. Mitchell had indeed gone to glory. Other reports out of Virginia, including Sean Robertson of CBS, began to ring out as well. And it became clear that one of the supernovas of HBCU sports culture had passed away. 

There has been some discussion online as to whether or not there will be another “Mr. CIAA” — another dignified brother who shows up meticulously dressed with a wardrobe full of outfits representing a dozen or so institutions and gracious enough to be stopped at every turn by people with camera phones wanting to stop and take photos. 

I suppose it is possible — but it isn’t likely. Mr. Mitchell came from an area of the country and a time where being “clean” was at least a weekly state of being for many in the black community. These days, even pastors aren’t wearing suits every week. 

What made Mr. CIAA special was more than just what he wore. He was literally larger than life. Players and coaches have had legendary nights at the CIAA Tournament during his time, but all of their records can conceivably be beaten. No one else can outdo what Mr. Mitchell did for so long. Doing it for one year seems stressful enough. But 50 years of spending his own money and resources to parade around at a basketball tournament? Not many people are built like that. Someone else could theoretically put on the clothing, but it would take more than that to carry on the legacy.

What Abraham Mitchell personified was a regal class and dignity in — addition to the clothing he wore — that we can all take something from. And though he will never physically grace the CIAA Tournament again, his legacy will live on for decades to come. Rest well, Mr. CIAA. 

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The Lady Wolves are included among high-profile nominees such as Carmelo Anthony, Sue Bird, Maya Moore, Dwight Howard, and Sylvia Fowles, showcasing the level of excellence they brought to the game.

The Historic Journey

Under the leadership of Hall of Fame coach C. Vivian Stringer, the Lady Wolves overcame numerous challenges during their 1981 – 82 season. With limited resources as a small school, they achieved a remarkable 28–3 record and earned the No. 2 national ranking. They carried a 23-game winning streak into the NCAA tournament and advanced to the inaugural NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Championship game, where they fell to Louisiana Tech.

In a 2022 interview with FOX 29, former player Yolanda Laney reflected on the team’s confidence and preparation under Stringer’s leadership. “Coach Stringer was a great coach, a great instructor, a great teacher. She prepared us for every game that we played. We never felt that we would be defeated,” Laney said.

Laney also emphasized the pride the team felt in representing Cheyney, stating, “Cheyney has a rich heritage. We always believed we would win every time we stepped onto the court because of the preparation and all the energy that [Coach Stringer] put in.”

Breaking Barriers

The Cheyney State Lady Wolves’ historic season broke barriers on multiple fronts. They became the first team with an all-women coaching staff and the first with an all-Black coaching staff to make it to the NCAA Division I Final Four and championship game.

Laney told FOX 29 about the team’s awareness of their role in history, saying, “We realized we were the first HBCU to get there. It was very important for us to make history, and we did great things.”

Their achievements not only showcased the talent and determination of HBCU programs but also highlighted the importance of representation at the highest level of college athletics.

Path to the Hall of Fame

The Lady Wolves nomination places them alongside some of basketball’s greatest figures, including first-time nominees Carmelo Anthony and Sue Bird. If selected, they would join the Hall of Fame as a team that set a powerful example of resilience, teamwork, and excellence.

The finalists for the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2025 will be announced on February 14, 2025, during NBA All-Star Weekend, with the official inductees revealed at the NCAA Final Four on April 5, 2025. For the Lady Wolves, the nomination is a celebration of their groundbreaking legacy and a reminder of how they paved the way for others.

As Laney eloquently said in her interview with FOX 29, “We didn’t just make history—we paved the way for others to dream bigger.”

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Atlanta, Georgia- Another significant honor has been bestowed upon Savannah State University’s most prolific athlete and alumnus as Pro Football Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe has been announced to the All-Century Team of the East-West Shrine Bowl. The organization made its announcement on Tuesday afternoon at the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta, as part of the 100th celebration of the annual postseason game. Sharpe joins the likes of Walter Payton and Robert Brazile as HBCU representatives on the team.

The East-West Shrine Bowl is celebrating its 100th year in 2025 and is the longest-running college all-star football game in the nation. The 100-year celebration features an exhibit and panel discussion at the College Football Hall of Fame taking place on Tuesday, as well as the East-West Shrine Bowl Hall of Fame on Jan. 29, 2025, culminating in the 100th East-West Shrine Bowl at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Jan. 30, 2025. For more information on the East-West Shrine Bowl, click here.

A proud native of Glennville, Georgia, Sharpe appeared in the 1990 edition of the collegiate all-star classic, becoming the first and to date only Savannah State football player to play in the game.

Sharpe’s Savannah State career spanned four seasons from 1986-1989, where he completely rewrote the Tiger football record books. Sharpe was a three-time First Team All-SIAC selection, finishing his career with 192 catches for 3,744 career yards, and 40 touchdowns. He still owns Savannah State’s single-season receiving records for yardage (1,312), touchdowns (18) and yards per catch (21.5) set in 1989. Additionally in that season, Sharpe was instrumental in leading the Tigers to a program best 8-1 overall mark, following a 7-3 campaign the previous season in 1988. 

In 2013, Sharpe was inducted into the Black College Football Hall of Fame and was inducted into the SIAC Hall of Fame the following year. Sharpe’s #2 jersey was retired by Savannah State University in 2009 in celebration of Shannon Sharpe Day.

Following his HBCU football days on The Marsh, Sharpe embarked on a 14 year in the NFL career, where he was an eight-time Pro Bowler, and won three Super Bowl rings, two with the Denver Broncos and one with the Baltimore Ravens. When he retired in 2003, he held the all-time NFL record for tight ends in receptions, touchdowns, and total receiving yards. Sharpe was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2011.

Sharpe has since entered the media world, where he is fastly becoming one of the most sought after personalities in sports broadcasting. He is presently a co-host of ESPN’s highly rated and critically acclaimed morning sports debate show, “First Take” with Molly Qerim and fellow HBCU alumnus Stephen A. Smith. He is also conquering the new media space as the owner and proprietor of Shay Shay Media. His two podcasts, “Nightcap” with former NFL All-Pro Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson, and “Club Shay Shay” have received several awards and award nominations for Best Podcast and Best Sports Podcast from several media outlets.

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ATLANTA, Ga. – HBCU football and Jackson State football legends Robert Brazile and Walter Payton were named to the East-West Shrine Bowl All-Century Team on Tuesday morning with the team unveiled at the College Football Hall of Fame.

The duo played together at Jackson State and led the Tigers to the 1972 and 1973 Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) championships before becoming NFL Hall of Famers.

Brazile was named a Sheridan Black College All-American (’74) and First Team All-SWAC (’74), and played in the Senior Bowl the same year. He set a record at his HBCU with 129 solo tackles (’74) and led the conference with nine interceptions (’74) after from tight end to linebacker in 1972. Brazile went on to star for the Houston Oilers (1975-1984) and held the team record for most consecutive games played (147). He finished as the Associated Press Rookie of the Year (’75) and AFC Rookie of the Year (’75) before being named an All-Pro for seven consecutive seasons (1976-82).

Robert Brazile is a member of the Sheridan Broadcasting Network 100-year all-time Black College Football Team (’93) and the Houston Oilers All-Time Team. He is also a member of the Mobile (Ala.) Sports Hall of Fame (’94), SWAC Hall of Fame (’95), JSU Sports Hall of Fame (’03), Alabama Sports Hall of Fame (’05), and Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame (’07).

Meanwhile, Payton led Jackson State football in nine categories with many still standing during his HBCU football career. He finished his career with 3,563 yards rushing, 6.1 yards per carry, 65 rushing touchdowns, and 464 career points, He also holds the school record with 24 rushing touchdowns in a single season and touchdowns scored in a single game (seven). Payton was named First Team All-SWAC in 1972, 1973, and 1974. He was also named the SWAC Offensive MVP (’74), named to several All-American teams the same year, and was a candidate for the Heisman his senior year. Payton retired as the NFL’s all-time leading rusher (16,726 yards) and led the Chicago Bears to the 1985 Super Bowl. He was a four-time All-Pro, and played in a streak of 176 consecutive games from 1975 to 1986, and was named the UPI Athlete of the Year (’77).

Walter Payton is a member of the JSU Sports Hall of Fame, Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame (’93), SWAC Hall of Fame (’94), and the College Football Hall of Fame (’96).

The two were drafted during the 1975 NFL Draft in the first round with Payton drafted fourth overall and Brazile sixth overall, the highest drafting of teammates in Mississippi history.

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December 18th, 2024 – The Black College Football Hall of Fame (BCFHOF) announced its 16th Class today – the Class of 2025. Six inductees were selected from a list of 28 Finalists who had been determined earlier by the BCFHOF Selection Committee.

The Black College Football Hall of Fame Class of 2025 includes… Henry Dyer (Grambling State University), Rashean Mathis (Bethune-Cookman University), Jacquay Nunnally (Florida A&M University), Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (Tennessee State University), Jay “Sky” Walker (Howard University) and Coach Fred “Pop” Long (Wiley College).

“What we have with the Class of 2025 is an incredible showcase of the talent that has come from Historically Black Colleges and Universities over the years,” said Black College Football Hall of Fame Co-Founder and 2011 Inductee Doug Williams. “When the Black College Hall of Fame was established, its purpose was to do just this, elevating and recognizing the past, present, and future of Black College Football. Congratulations to the Class of 2025.”

Votes were tallied from the 9-member Selection Committee, comprised of prominent journalists, commentators, and historians, as well as former NFL General Managers and executives, and from members of the BCFHOF to determine the Inductees.

The Class of 2025 will be honored at the 16th Annual Black College Football Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, Presented by the Atlanta Falcons on June 7th, 2025, in Atlanta, Georgia.

They will also be recognized at halftime of the Allstate HBCU Legacy Bowl on February 22, 2025, at Yulman Stadium in New Orleans, LA, which will be broadcast live on NFL Network (3:00 pm CT).

For more information, please visit www.BlackCollegeFootballHOF.org

CLASS OF 2025

HENRY DYER

Grambling State University’s first 1,000-yard rusher
Named first team All-SWAC from 1963-65
Led the nation in scoring (110 points)
Drafted in the 4th Round of the 1966 NFL Draft to the Los Angeles Rams
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RASHEAN MATHIS

Three-time All-MEAC First-Team honoree (2000, 2001 and 2002)
2002 MEAC Defensive Player of the Year
Holds the FCS record for most interceptions in a career (31) and season (14)
Holds the FCS record for most yards on interception returns in a career (682) and season (455)
Drafted in the 2nd Round of the 2003 NFL Draft to the Jacksonville Jaguars
He still holds several franchise records with the Jaguars including: career interceptions (30), career interception return yards (512), career defensive touchdowns (3) and career passes defended (99)
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JACQUAY NUNNALLY

Three-time football Division I All-American
Second all-time in NCAA Division I FCS football record books in career pass receptions with 317 for 4,239 yards and 38 touchdowns
Four-time All-MEAC First-Team honoree (1997-2000)
Named Black College Football Player of the Year in both 1998 and 2000
?
DOMINIQUE RODGERS-CROMARTIE

Three-time first team All-OVC
FCS All-American (2007)
In his 39 starts for Tennessee State, opposing quarterbacks completed just 55 of 161 passes (34.16%) thrown near Rodgers-Cromartie
Drafted in the 1st Round of the 2008 NFL Draft to the Arizona Cardinals
?
JAY “SKY” WALKER

Two-time First Team All-MEAC selection
Selected as MEAC Offensive Player of the Year in 1993
Led the Bison to an undefeated season en route to winning MEAC and Black College National Championships
Passed for 3,324 yards in 1993, which ranks as the second-highest single-season total in MEAC history
Drafted in the 7th Round of the 1994 NFL Draft by the New England Patriots
?
FRED “POP” LONG

Led Wiley College to SWAC titles in 1923, 1927, 1928, 1929, 1930, 1932, 1944, 1945, 1956, and 1957
Wiley College won the Black College Football National Championship in 1928, 1932 and 1945
In his 35 seasons, he led Wiley to 189 victories
Coached 27 All-Americans
Long won 224 games in 43 years with additional stops at Paul Quinn College, Prairie View A&M University and Texas College
?
About the Black College Football Hall of Fame

The Black College Football Hall of Fame was founded in 2009 by African-American pioneers, quarterbacks James Harris and Doug Williams to preserve the history and honor the greatest football players, coaches and contributors from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). There have been over 100 Inductees since inception, including Mel Blount, James Harris, Willie Lanier, Art Shell, and Doug Williams, who serve as Trustees.

The Black College Football Hall of Fame (BCFHOF) has a permanent home at the Pro Football Hall of Fame (PFHOF) to tell the story of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

About the HBCU Legacy Bowl

The Allstate HBCU Legacy Bowl, presented by the Black College Football Hall of Fame is a postseason all-star game that showcases the top 100 NFL draft-eligible football players from Historically Black Colleges and Universities. The game will be played on the Saturday, February 24, 2024, in New Orleans, Louisiana at Tulane University, and broadcast live on NFL Network. More than a football game, the week-long celebration of Black culture and history will provide invaluable exposure for HBCU students. HBCU Legacy Bowl Founding Partners include Allstate, the National Football League, adidas, Kansas City Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes and his 15 and the Mahomies Foundation, Coca-Cola, Coors Light, New Orleans Saints, Delta Airlines, Riddell, Allstate Sugar Bowl, and the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Follow the Allstate HBCU Legacy Bowl on social media via @HBCULegacyBowl or visit www.HBCULegacyBowl.com for more information.

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ATLANTA, GA – The Black College Football Hall of Fame announced today the 27 Finalists for induction into the Class of 2025. The list includes 23 players and four coaches.

At a glance:

• 27 Finalists have been selected from over 150 nominees.
• The Class of 2025 Inductees will be announced on December 18th, 2024.
• Inductees will be honored during the Black College Football Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on June 7th, 2025, in Atlanta, Georgia.

“We would like to congratulate the Class of 2025 Finalists,” said Doug Williams, Super Bowl XXII MVP, Chairman and Co-Founder of the Hall of Fame. “These men embody the very best of Black College Football.”

The finalists were chosen from more than 150 nominees by a 10-member Selection Committee, which includes prominent journalists, commentators, historians, former NFL General Managers, and football executives.

“A heartfelt thank you to the selection committee for their commitment and effort in choosing this year’s finalists,” said Committee Chairman Charlie Neal. “Selecting the finalists is no easy task, but the committee’s passion for preserving the history of Black College Football shines through in this year’s group of finalists.”

The Class of 2025 will be announced on December 18th, 2024. They will be recognized for the first time at the Allstate HBCU Legacy Bowl in New Orleans on February 22, 2025 and honored during the 16th Annual Black College Football Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on Saturday, June 7, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. For more information, please visit www.BlackCollegeFootballHOF.org

PLAYER FINALISTS (23 Players)

• George Atkinson (S, Morris Brown College, 1965-1968)
• Jerome Barkum (TE, Jackson State University, 1968-1971)
• Dwaine Board (DE, North Carolina A&T State University, 1975-1978)
• Larry Brooks (DT, Virginia State University, 1969-1972)
• Vince Buck (DB, Central State University, 1986-1989)
• Nick Collins (DB, Bethune-Cookman University, 2002-2004)
• Henry Dyer (RB, Grambling State University, 1963-1965)
• Richard Harris (DE, Grambling State University, 1968-1970)
• Vernon Holland (OL, Tennessee State University, 1967-1970)
• Lester Holmes (OL, Jackson State University, 1989-1992)
• Mike Holmes (DB, WR, Texas Southern University, 1969-1973)
• Ezra Johnson (DL, Morris Brown College, 1973-1976)
• Rashean Mathis (DB, Bethune-Cookman University, 1999-2002)
• Jacquay Nunnally (WR, Florida A&M University, 1997-2000)
• Anthony Pleasant (DE, Tennessee State University, 1987-1990)
• Tyrone Poole (DB, Fort Valley State University, 1991-1994)
• Eddie Robinson, Jr. (LB, Alabama State University, 1988-1991)
• Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (DB, Tennessee State University, 2004-2007)
• Jimmy Smith (WR, Jackson State University, 1987-1991)
• John Thierry (DE, Alcorn State University, 1991-1994)
• Jay “Sky” Walker (QB, Howard University, 1992-1993)
• Ted White (QB, Howard University, 1995-1998)
• Lee Williams (DL, Bethune-Cookman University, 1981-1983)

COACH FINALISTS (4 Coaches)

• Rod Broadway (Head Football Coach, North Carolina Central University, North Carolina A&T State University, Grambling State University, 2003-2017)
• Rudy Hubbard (Head Football Coach, Florida A&M University, 1974-1985)
• Fred “Pop” Long (Head Football Coach, Wiley College, 1921-1965)
• Doug Porter (Head Football Coach, Mississippi Valley State University 1961-1965, Howard University 1974-1985, Fort Valley State University 1987-1996)

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NORFOLK, Va. – The Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) announced today the five members of the 2025 Hall of Fame Class of the HBCU conference. The inductees will be officially enshrined during the week of the 2025 MEAC Basketball Tournament.  

“Congratulations to the five inductees of the MEAC’s 2025 Hall of Fame class,” Commissioner Sonja Stills said. “Induction into the MEAC Hall of Fame is the ultimate recognition of a player or coach’s incredible career, representing excellence, hard work, and dedication to their respective sport. Inductees are not only exceptional competitors but exemplify the values and history that make our conference great.”

The MEAC Hall of Fame highlights former student-athletes, coaches, university and conference administrators, and notable contributors who have enriched the conference’s legacy since its inception in 1970. Enshrinees are selected by an eight-person committee of administrators and member institution representatives. 

The inaugural Hall of Fame class was inducted on May 29, 1981, during a 10th anniversary banquet in Greensboro, N.C. Since its establishment, the MEAC Hall of Fame has enshrined 173 people, including the Class of 2024. 

Additional details regarding the induction ceremony will be announced at a later date.

Oliver “Buddy” Pough, South Carolina State: Pough left a legacy at S.C. State retired in 2023, completing his career as the winningest coach in school history. Pough amassed a 151-93 record and 115-44 MEAC mark while leading the Bulldogs to two Black College National Football titles and eight total MEAC titles.

Pough earned a bachelor’s and a master’s degree from S.C. State where he was an All-MEAC offensive lineman. Following his playing career, Pough joined the coaching ranks and earned MEAC Coach of the Year honors four times during his 21-year career. Pough’s teams captured eight MEAC titles, three outright (2021, 2008 and 2009) and five shared (2004, 2010, 2013, 2014 and 2019).

The HBCU made four trips to the FCS playoffs (2008, 2009, 2010, and 2013) and helped Pough capture the Celebration Bowl Championship in 2021 knocking off top-ranked Jackson State to win his fifth HBCU National Crown, third as a coach.

Out of the 19 MEAC Championship titles, the most by any school, Pough contributed to 17 of them, serving as either a player or a coach.


Tarik Cohen, North Carolina A&T State: Cohen was a member of the North Carolina A&T State Aggies from 2013-16 where he was a star running back on the football team.

Cohen highlighted his senior season with a record-setting career-best 295 rushing yards, and offensive MVP recognition, at the 2015 Celebration Bowl.

Cohen was named the MEAC Rookie of the Year in 2013 and earned MEAC Offensive Player of the Year three consecutive seasons (2014, 2015, 2016). Additionally, he was a four-time All-MEAC honoree, a three-time Stats/FCS Third-Team All-American and BOXTOROW All-American.

Cohen was named the 2015 SBN/Williams Offensive Player of the Year, a 2015 FCS Fabulous Fifty All-American, a 2016 AFCA FCS Coaches Second-Team All-American, a two-time SBN All-American (2014, 2015), a 2016 Walter Camp FCS All-American and was the 2016 Deacon Jones Trophy recipient.

He holds the MEAC record for career rushing yards (5,619) and total carries (868). Cohen collected 59 career touchdowns and 56 rushing TDs. Cohen led the Aggies to two MEAC Conference Titles in 2014 and 2015 and helped the team earn an at-large bid to the 2016 NCAA Division I-FCS Playoffs.

Cohen was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the fourth round of the 2018 NFL Draft. During his rookie season (2018), the HBCU football great was selected to the Pro Bowl Team and was named an NFL First-Team All-Pro selection.

Click here for the full list of 2025 MEAC Hall of Fame Inductees

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Fifty years later, on a brisk Friday night, a group of nearly three dozen former players — including Pro Football Hall of Famer Harry Carson and recently retired SC State coach Buddy Pough — filed into the SHM Gymnasium to commemorate that championship season that laid the foundation for the most dominant program in the conference’s history. 

In the middle of it all was Willie Jeffries. The now 87-year-old may not walk as swiftly as he did at age 37 as a young head coach, but his mind  — and wit — was as sharp as ever and on display. He shared that he took an $8,000 pay cut to come back to his alma mater after serving as an assistant at the University of Pittsburgh. 

“I went to the President and he said ‘that’s all we got,” he said as the crowd laughed. “But money isn’t everything. Look at you guys — got on new suits, dressed up, lovely wives, you have families. And coach is proud of all of you.” 

Jeffries arrived to find a team that had won just one game during the 1972 season. 

“Everybody had us on their homecoming. Everybody,” Jeffries said at the podium. “So many of ‘em — we took our own float.” 

But he had talented players like Carson, Donnie Shell and a young man named Oliver that would go on to be better known as “Buddy.”

“He was cutting edge and approach to doing all of the latest techniques and fundamentals and all that kind of stuff of that time,” Buddy Pough, an offensive lineman on that 1974 championship team recalled. “He had been on the big time. He coached at Pittsburgh and some of the other places that way. So he had all of the different opportunities to be exposed to the latest trends in the game — that kind of stuff.”

The team nearly won it all Jeffries’ first season, but a tie against North Carolina A&T kept South Carolina’s HBCU from claiming the MEAC title that season. 

Ironically, North Carolina A&T’s internal issues helped SCSU land Harry Carson. Carson was headed for NC A&T — or so he thought. 

“I was offered a full scholarship,” Carson told the crowd on Friday. “But a week later, I got a message. I got a letter from North Carolina A&T. A letter to rescind the scholarship. I didn’t have anything else to do. I was looking at going to the military.

Luckily for Carson and South Carolina State University, a teacher helped him land in Orangeburg. A year later, Jeffries arrived and the rest is history.

As for the team, it came back more determined than ever the following year, knocking off two-time defending league champion North Carolina Central in an early November matchup to take control of the league. It clinched the title on Nov. 23, 1974, earning a bid to the Pelican Bowl — the first attempt by the MEAC and SWAC to create an HBCU title game. 

Less than 24 hours after Friday’s gathering, the current South Carolina State football program was set to be crowned as MEAC champions for the 19th time in school history — the most for any MEAC program. And it will do so under the leadership of head coach Chennis Berry, who was hand-picked by Buddy Pough to keep the tradition going. 

Bill Hamilton has worked at South Carolina State University in sports information for all 19 of the championships. He’s seen the program switch hands several times and he says there is a direct thread that combines the greatness of Jeffries and Pough — and now Chennis Berry. He related how Jeffries handed the program to Pough to how the keys were handed over to Chennis Berry. 

“Coach Jeffries took him around, introduced him to you… know, he’s from this area, but took him to some to the powers that be and supported his every effort. And that’s unusual because a lot of times when a new coach comes in, he does not want the former coach hanging around looking over his shoulder and maybe sabotaging his success,” Hamilton said.

“And then now, 21 years later, Coach Pough, same thing. He reached out to coach Barry and he shown him around and offered him opportunities to be successful. So it’s a wonderful trade. That’s something you don’t see a lot. Not only in HBCU but in college athletics at all, because most people don’t want to go hanging around. But at South Carolina State, that’s a tradition.”

It is a tradition that is built upon what the 1974 team built in helping South Carolina State become one of the landmark programs in HBCU football and college football as a whole. 

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“Da’Shun Mitchell had a hell of a game,” Sharpe began. “Twelve catches, 227 yards, and two touchdowns. Why is that important? The 227 yards in a single game set the record by a Savannah State receiver — breaking the record held Shannon Sharpe — of seven catches, 221 yards, and two touchdowns.”

Ochocinco playfully jabbed, “You gotta go get it back.”

Sharpe laughed before turning reflective.

“No, Ocho, I’m glad. Hopefully, I inspired him. When I was there, I didn’t have anybody to look up to. There weren’t many numbers to chase. I just wanted to set the bar. And after 35 years, he broke it. Salute the young bull.”

Sharpe also highlighted Mitchell’s recognition as a first-team All-Conference player, further praising his contributions. “When a Savannah State Tiger does something great—especially as a receiver—I’m proud. That’s what we do.”

Mitchell’s record-breaking performance was a bright spot in Savannah State’s rollercoaster season. Paired with quarterback Jhaydon Sullivan’s school-record 400 passing yards, the Tigers’ offense showed flashes of brilliance, amassing a season-high 509 total yards. Mitchell’s performance included a 77-yard touchdown grab, showcasing the explosive connection between him and Sullivan. The HBCU squad finished 5-5 this season.

“Congratulations, on everything you’ve accomplished. Savannah State — that’s what we do,” Sharpe concluded, his admiration clear. 

The exchange between Sharpe and Ochocinco underscored Sharpe’s enduring connection to his HBCU, celebrating the next generation while honoring the legacy he helped build.

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WACO, Texas – Legendary former HBCU football star from Grambling State and Super Bowl winning head coach Doug Williams, has been selected as the American Football Coaches Association’s (AFCA) recipient of the 2024 Trailblazer Award. The award will be presented to Williams during the 2025 AFCA Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Williams is one of the most storied G-Men in the history of the program, playing quarterback under the great Eddie Robinson. As a four-year HBCU football starter, Williams led the Tigers to 36-7 record, winning three SWAC championships from 1974-1977. He was also named the Black College Football Player of the Year twice. 

His stellar play helped him become a Heisman candidate, finishing fourth in the voting following the 1977 campaign. 

Williams was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with the 17th pick of the first round of the 1978 NFL Draft, becoming the first African American quarterback to be drafted in the opening round. He led the Buccaneers to the playoffs three times in the first five seasons, including a trip to the 1979 NFC Championship Game. 

The Zachary, La. native reached the zenith of his career when he led Washington to a 42-10 victory over the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XXII, becoming the first Black quarterback to be named Super Bowl MVP. He set records for most touchdown passes (four), most passing yards (340), longest pass completion (80 yards) and longest touchdown pass (80 yards).

In 1995, Doug Williams was the offensive coordinator for the Scottish Claymores in the World League, then became a college scout for the Jacksonville Jaguars for two seasons. Following his stint with Jaguars, he served as head of Morehouse for the 1997 season.

In 1998, upon the retirement of Robinson as the head coach of GSU, Williams was named the new leader of Grambling State football. He won his first SWAC title as head coach in 2000, with a 10-2 overall record. The following year he led the Tigers to Black College Football National Title with a 10-1 record. He completed a SWAC championship three-peat in 2002, leading the G-Men to an 11-2 mark. 

Following the 2003 season, which saw GSU claim a SWAC Western Division crown, he returned to the NFL to serve as an executive with Tampa Bay. After serving as general manager of the Virginia Destroyers in the United Football League during the 2010 season, Williams returned to HBCU football as head coach of Grambling State, immediately winning his fourth SWAC title as head coach in 2011.

Since 2014, he’s served as an executive for the Washington Commanders. 

Doug Williams is a member of the College Football Hall of Fame, the Black College Football Hall of Fame, the Grambling Legends Hall of Fame, the SWAC Hall of Fame, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Ring of Honor, the Tampa Stadium Krewe of Honor, and the Washington Commanders Ring of Honor. 

In 2009, Harris and Williams collaborated to create the Black College Football Hall of Fame to preserve the history and honor the greatest football players, coaches and contributors from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU).

The AFCA Trailblazer Award was created to honor leaders in the football coaching profession who coached at HBCU institutions. Past Trailblazer Award winners include Charles Williams, Hampton (2004); Cleve Abbott, Tuskegee (2005); Arnett Mumford, Southern (2006); Billy Nicks, Prairie View A&M (2007); Alonzo “Jake” Gaither, Florida A&M (2008); Fred “Pops” Long, Wiley (2009); Harry R. “Big Jeff” Jefferson, Bluefield State (2010); Edward P. Hurt, Morgan State (2011); Vernon “Skip” McCain, Maryland-Eastern Shore (2012); Marino Casem, Alcorn State (2013); Gideon Smith, Hampton (2014); Eddie Robinson, Grambling State (2015); Oree Banks, South Carolina State and West Virginia State (2016); John Merritt, Jackson State and Tennessee State (2017); Earl Banks, Morgan State (2018); Bill Hayes, Winston-Salem State and North Carolina A&T (2019); Edward Jackson, Delaware State, Johnson C. Smith and Howard (2021); Henry Kean, Kentucky State and Tennessee State (2022); and Edward Clemons, Edward Waters, Lane, Morris Brown and Jackson State (2023).

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BATON ROUGE, La.  – Legendary HBCU football coach Pete Richardson to be inducted into the SWAC Hall of Fame for his time at Southern University.

The Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) has announced its 2024 SWAC Hall of Fame Class which is set to be enshrined on Friday, December 13^th, 2024. The enshrinement ceremony is slated to begin at 7:00 p.m. EST at the Omni Hotel in Atlanta, Georgia.

The newest members of the SWAC Hall of Fame were chosen from a list of nominees who were submitted by their respective institutions and selected by the SWAC Hall of Fame Selection Committee.

The 2024 Hall of Fame Honorees include Alcorn State’s Fred McNair, Grambling State’s Hillary Matthew Bossier (Legend), Southern’s Pete Richardson, Arkansas-Pine Bluff’s Earl Goldman (Legend), and Charlie Neal (Contributor). 

Upon his arrival in Baton Rouge in 1993, Richardson ushered in the golden era of Southern University Football compiling 134 wins during a 17-year career. He is currently the second winningest coach in Southern football history in wins and winning percentage. 

Richardson, affectionately known as “Coach Pete” led Southern football to five Southwestern Athletic Conference titles (1993, 97, 98, 99, and 2003), including a three-peat from 1997-99 (the school’s first consecutive SWAC titles since 1959-60). His teams also claimed four Black college national titles (1993, 1995, 1997 and 2003) in route to birthing one of the greatest fan bases in college athletics, The Jaguar Nation. 

Richardson’s teams won four Heritage Bowl titles and went 12-5 in the Bayou Classic. He owns the distinction of being the only coach to go undefeated against Grambling’s iconic coach Eddie Robinson. He was also named the SWAC Coach of the Year five times (1995, 97, 98, 99 and 2003). 

His winning percentage of 68.4 percent in 17 seasons (134-62) at the school is second behind only College Football Hall of Fame coach A.W. “Ace’ Mumford’s 70.4 percent (176-60-14). Prior to his arrival, Southern had last won the SWAC in 1966 and 1975. 

Richardson is a member of the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame, Winston Salem State University Hall of Fame and most recently the Black College Football Hall of Fame. In 2021, the field inside A.W. Mumford Stadium was re-named Pete Richardson Field. The first Southern University home football game of every season is designated the “Pete Richardson Classic,” making him a bonidied HBCU football legend on many levels. 

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JACKSON, Miss. | Jackson State will induct the newest class of the JSU Sports Hall of Fame on campus on Friday night. The class includes five different sports and 14 different individuals including the following HBCU football legends from Jackson State:

 

Tim Barnett – Football
A star at Jackson State, Barnett went on to play for Kansas City. During his time at Jackson State, Barnett scored nine touchdowns in 1989 before adding another eight in 1990. After his HBCU football career, he became a manager for K.C.A.T.A. before retiring in 2018. An active member of the Masonic Lodge Amos Johnson #148, Barnett is a member of the Kansas City Chiefs Ambassadors and now, the JSU Sports Hall of Fame.
 
Cephus Jackson – Football
He attended Jackson State and played football from 1964 to 1968, where he was the defensive captain, his senior year earning All SWAC honors. In 1968, he was drafted by the Los Angeles Rams, a year when the team set a record with 11 players chosen in the NFL Draft. Jackson spent one year on the Rams’ taxi squad playing for the Orange County Ramblers and another year in the New Orleans Saints organization playing for the Richmond Road Runners.
 
Sylvester Morris – Football
Became the school’s all-time leading receiver and set several school records in the process including most touchdowns in a game, most touchdowns receiving in year, and most yards receiving in a year. In 1998, Morris was voted SWAC offensive player of the year, First Team All-SWAC, and the SWAC Player of the Year.  During his senior year, he was voted First Team All-American for 1AA by Burger King. In 2000, the Kansas City Chiefs selected Morris as their first-round draft pick and the 21st overall pick selected in the draft.  Sylvester went on the start 13 of 15 games, with 48 receptions for 678 yards.  
 
Larry Jones – Football
A native of Jackson, he is a former walk-on at Jackson State football who earned a scholarship after trying out in 1970. Playing at center, he helped his HBCU win three SWAC championships from 1971 to 1973. He served as team captain in 1972 and 1973, earning First Team All-SWAC honors in 1972. He was also a member of the track and field team where he was named First Team All-SWAC in the discus in 1971.
 
Derek Perkins – Football
A native of Mendenhill (Miss.), Perkins was an All-SWAC performer in 1979. After he attended Jackson State, he started one of the first Christian group homes in Mississippi before later moving to Pasadena (Calif.) where he started Harambee Ministry and did youth and famiky outreach for over 30 years. He then moved back to Mississippi to watch his son, Jon Michael, play for the Tigers. He continues in ministry and has a novel out called “Rabbit Road.”
 
Leon Sherrod – Football
Arriving at Jackson State as a quarterback in 1972, Sherrod moved to wide receiver where he led the conference in receiving in 1976 and was named all-conference. He was also named to the Pittsburg Courier All-American and Black Mutual Network All-American teams that year. After his collegiate career, he signed as a free agent with the Buffalo Bills and he was named to the JSU All-Century team in 2011 before induction to the JSU Sports Hall of Fame.

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Canton, OH – Twenty-five candidates in the Contributor category have moved one step closer to election for the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 2025 presented by Visual Edge IT. 

The Hall’s Contributor Blue-Ribbon Committee trimmed an original list of 47 nominees to these 25 individuals: K.S. “Bud” Adams, Roone Arledge, Chris Berman, Howard Cosell, Otho Davis, John Facenda, Mike Giddings, Ralph Hay, Frank “Bucko” Kilroy, Don Klosterman, Eddie Kotal, Robert Kraft, Virginia McCaskey, Rich McKay, John McVay, Art Modell, Lee Remmel, Eddie Robinson, Art Rooney Jr., Jerry Seeman, Seymour Siwoff, Amy Trask, Jim Tunney, Doug Williams and John Wooten.

Hall of Fame bylaws stipulate that Committee members vote for 20 individuals at this stage of the selection process, but the bylaws also allow for additional candidates to proceed in the case of any tie votes for the 20th position. 

Each Contributor Blue-Ribbon Committee member will cast an additional ballot later this month to reduce the list further — this time to nine (9) semifinalists. Results will be announced in about two weeks.

Earlier this year, the Hall of Fame revised its bylaws beginning with the Class of 2025. Among the changes: a split of the Coach/Contributor category, which had been combined over the past few election cycles. Both categories now will send nominees through respective Blue-Ribbon Committees before candidates are considered by the full Selection Committee. The Blue-Ribbon Committees are comprised of nine (9) individuals: seven (7) who also are members of the full Selection Committee and two (2) others who hold full voting rights for this subcommittee only. 

Through a sequence of reduction votes over several weeks, the Blue-Ribbon Committee will select one (1) Finalist for the Class of 2025. There is no waiting period (mandatory retirement) for Contributor candidates to be elected into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. 

About Eddie Robinson and Doug Williams

•    Eddie Robinson: Credited with sending dozens of players to the NFL as coach at the HBCU Grambling State.
•    Doug Williams: Career with Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1978-1982) and Washington Redskins (1986-89) included historic moment as first Black quarterback to start and win a Super Bowl (XXII) with an MVP performance; credited with creating opportunities for future Black and HBCU athletes, Played foe Eddie Robinson at Grambling State.

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Courtesy of Jackson State University

Jackson, MS – Jackson State University (JSU) Campus Store proudly announces the new Walter Payton Collection, a tribute to one of history’s most iconic football players. The collection is part of the Campus Legends Program by @rootsoffight and honors Payton’s HBCU legacy as a JSU Tiger and his extraordinary impact on and off the field.

JSU’s Director of Auxiliary Services, Kamesha Hill, emphasized the importance of honoring Walter Payton’s contributions to the university and the world.

“The Walter Payton Collection is a proud moment for JSU. He embodied the spirit of excellence we celebrate daily at our institution. Not only was he a superior athlete, but he was also an overall excellent human being. It is our privilege to continue his legacy through this collection, which we hope will inspire generations of students and fans alike, reminding them of the greatness that began right here at JSU,” Hill said.

From 1971 to 1975, Walter Payton, affectionately known as “Sweetness,” revolutionized the running back position at JSU. His signature mix of grit and grace defined his style, with powerful runs that thrilled crowds and set records. Payton’s brilliance as a player was unparalleled. He broke the SWAC single-game record with seven touchdowns, ran for a school-record 3,563 yards, and scored 65 touchdowns, an NCAA record of 464 points.

After being overlooked by SEC schools, Payton’s decision to stay close to home made him an HBCU legend and established him as a symbol of tenacity. Payton set a JSU record running for 3,563 yards in his career and averaging 6.1 yards per carry. He scored 65 total touchdowns and an NCAA-record 464 points. He was a three-time Black College All-American and a two-time FCS All-American. His success at JSU was the springboard for his Hall of Fame career with the Chicago Bears, where he became one of the most respected players in NFL history.

The Walter Payton Collection at JSU serves as a reminder of where his journey to greatness began. It also highlights the university’s long-standing tradition of producing top-tier athletes who lead with both class and game, a style that Payton epitomized.

Today, the Walter Payton Collection cements his place in the hearts of all who understand the spirit of “Sweetness” and his lifelong connection to Jackson State University.

For more information on the Walter Payton Collection, please visit the JSU campus store or online.

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ORANGEBURG, SC – Robert “Bobby” Lewis, a legendary HBCU basketball player at SC State during the mid-60s was memorialized Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, during a special service at Franklin Delano Roosevelt Park, 1500 Pattison Ave. at Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA.

Lewis died on Sept. 19, 2024. He was 78.

During his playing days at SC State (1964-1968), Lewis was known for his flamboyant dribbling, passing, and playmaking. A playground legend in his hometown of Philadelphia, PA, he lifted the HBCU basketball team to prominence under head coach Ed Martin, serving as team captain in his junior and senior campaigns.

The 5-10 guard averaged around 12 points his first two seasons at SC State before his average soared to 19.1 points as a junior when he helped the Bulldogs to the NCAA Division II Region Finals in 1967. He capped his Bulldog career averaging 30.9 points, 8th best in the country, and 11.8 assists as a senior.

Lewis was a three-time All-SIAC (Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference) performer and tournament MVP in 1967. That same year, he was selected as team captain and flag bearer for the United States team in the FIBA Small Player’s World Cup Games. The team, coached by the late John McClendon, won the gold medal. He was named a first-team Small College All-American by UPI in his final season at SC State. He was inducted into the SCSU Athletic Hall of Fame in 1998.

Following his SC State career, Lewis was drafted by the Dallas Chaparrals of the ABA in 1968. He also played professionally for the Gillette Corporation USA All-Stars and the Wilmington Blue Bombers. He later became an iconic figure in Philadelphia as a coach, mentor, and basketball clinician in Philadelphia, touching the lives of hundreds of youths.

Bobby Lewis was inducted into the South Carolina State Hall of Fame in 1998, and the Philadelphia Black Basketball Hall of Fame in 2017. Lewis was also nominated for the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2017. “He’s the most exciting player ever recruited by [South Carolina State coach Ed Martin] and the darling of the fans,” said a reporter for the Orangeburg, S.C. newspaper the Times and Democrat in a 1966 story.

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To determine the average run of the top HBCU football programs from each of these conferences (MEAC, SWAC, CIAA, and SIAC), we evaluated several key factors:

1. Championship Frequency

• How often do certain schools win or compete for championships?
• Which teams dominate over extended periods?
  

2. Coaching Stability

• Coaches with long tenures often lead to sustained success. We’ll analyze how different coaches impacted a team’s performance over time.
  

3. Cycles of Success

• Programs often experience peaks and troughs due to recruiting, coaching changes, or shifts in competitive balance.

Here’s a brief breakdown of trends based on the championship data since 1999.

MEAC

From 1999 to 2023:

• South Carolina State (Oliver Pough era): Consistent dominance, especially from 2008 to 2010. They had multiple title runs in the late 2000s and still managed a conference title in 2021.
• North Carolina A&T (Rod Broadway and Sam Washington): Peaked in the 2010s with titles in 2015, 2017, and 2019. A&T also dominated the Celebration Bowl era, becoming the top program in the MEAC.
• Bethune–Cookman (Alvin Wyatt, Brian Jenkins): Strong in the early 2000s and another run from 2012-2015 under Brian Jenkins and Terry Sims.
• Florida A&M had strong early 2000s runs but struggled to maintain that level. Recently rejoined the SWAC, which changes the competitive landscape.

Average Run

• Programs like South Carolina State and North Carolina A&T had sustained runs of 3-5 years of dominance, followed by a slight drop and resurgence, especially for A&T. The average period of peak performance seems to be around 3-4 years per program.

SWAC

From 1999 to 2023:

• Grambling (Doug Williams era+ multiple coaches): Dominated the early 2000s, winning titles in 2000, 2001, 2002, 2005, 2008, and 2016-2017.
• Southern was strong in the early 2000s but saw its dominance broken up by Grambling and other emerging teams.
• Jackson State (Deion Sanders): 2021-2022 marked a new era of dominance for Jackson State, although Sanders’ departure has led to questions about future consistency.
• Alcorn State (Jay Hopson,Fred McNair): Alcorn had a long stretch of success, reaching the SWAC Championship from 2014 to 2019, showing remarkable consistency.
• Alabama A&M: Intermittent success, particularly in 2006 and again in 2020, but less sustained.

Average Run

• Grambling had extended runs of 3-4 years at a time, while Alcorn State maintained 5-6 years of competitive excellence. The SWAC’s average program dominance seems to span around 4-5 years before a shift in power. But possibly even shorter now with coaching departures. 

CIAA

From 1999 to 2023:

• Winston-Salem State (Connell Maynor era): Dominated from 2011-2016, including a 2012 national championship game appearance.
• Bowie State: A more recent power, Bowie won consecutive titles in 2018 and 2019, extending through 2021.
• Virginia State: Competitive with titles in 2014 and 2017, highlighting cycles of competitiveness across programs.
• Fayetteville State: Had early success in the 2000s and returned to the top in 2022.
• Shaw University had a string of dominance from 2004-2010.

Average Run

• Historically, teams like Winston-Salem State had runs of 5-6 years, but programs like Bowie State and Virginia State have showcased cycles of dominance of about 3-5 years.

SIAC

From 1999 to 2023:

• Tuskegee: Dominated the 2000s and late 2010s, with long stretches of titles and playoff appearances.
• Albany State: A major contender throughout the 2000s and again in 2013-2021.
• Miles College: Emerged in the 2010s with multiple titles in 2011, 2015, and 2018-2019.
• Benedict College: Most recent champion (2022-2023), showing their rise to prominence. Coaching change may cut that short.

Average Run

• Teams like Tuskegee and Albany State had multiple periods of success that spanned 4-5 years, with Miles College and Benedict now becoming key players.

Conclusion: Cyclical Success

Across HBCU football programs, success tends to come in cycles of around 3-5 years for most programs, with the occasional program (like Grambling or Tuskegee) extending dominance over a longer period. This reflects natural shifts due to coaching changes, recruiting cycles, and changes in conference dynamics. The most dominant runs often come from stability in leadership and strong recruiting pipelines.

(Go to Page 2 to find out how these dynasties rise and fall)

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In a May 26, 2024 White House statement, Vice-President Kamala Harris spoke of the impact of her HBCU experience (at Howard University) and the leadership of talented and motivated individuals from all walks of life in communities throughout America. Given her integrity, values, and demonstrated commitment to justice and equality of opportunity, we are confident that as President she will serve the best interests of all Americans.

“As a proud graduate of Howard University, I know firsthand that our HBCUs are centers of academic excellence. For generations, these anchors of our communities have played a pivotal role in building and contributing to America’s leadership at home and abroad. Today, graduates from our Nation’s more than 100 HBCUs are in every room where important decisions are made – leading in our schools, hospitals, courtrooms, boardrooms, and at the highest levels of government. And as we look forward, we know that our HBCUs will continue to prepare young leaders to build a better, more just future for our country and the world.”

While endorsing the Harris-Walz ticket, the legends have also emphasized that they do not expect that anyone should simply do so on blind faith. “We encourage all citizens to study the candidates and issues and make their own judgments. We have done so, and are inspired and proud of the leadership that President Harris and Vice-President Walz will provide. But throughout our careers, we have competed on the merits, and we respect the rights of others to compete now and reach their own conclusions about candidates.”

Go to page two for the full list

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Gene Nighman, the EIWA Executive Director, welcomed Morgan State with open arms: “We are proud to have Morgan State as part of our conference. The EIWA has a long history of advancing wrestling, and having the first HBCU program join us is a significant milestone. We look forward to seeing them compete in our 121st season and at the 2025 EIWA Championship at Lehigh University.”

For Morgan State, this is a big step forward. Dena Freeman-Patton, the school’s Director of Athletics, expressed her excitement: “Joining the EIWA is a perfect fit for our wrestling program. Our student-athletes are ready to compete at a high level and continue their success in the classroom and on the mat.”

Morgan State’s wrestling program has a rich history. After a 24-year hiatus, the program was revived in 2021 with a $2.7 million gift, the largest in school history. This donation was led by Mike Novogratz and the HBCU Wrestling Initiative, which aims to bring wrestling back to HBCUs. Morgan State, which first dominated the sport in the 1950s and ’60s, is now the only HBCU in Division I wrestling.

Kenny Monday, hired as head coach in 2022, has brought a wealth of experience to the program. A three-time NCAA All-American and Olympic gold medalist, Monday sees this EIWA membership as a turning point. “This is a monumental milestone for our program,” Monday said. “We’re excited to elevate our competition and make an impact in collegiate wrestling.”

The Bears will debut their talents at the Blue vs. Orange intrasquad dual on October 18, with their first EIWA match at Lehigh on November 15.

With this historic move, Morgan State is set to make waves in the wrestling world, continuing to build on its proud legacy as an HBCU.

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Laney’s achievements on the court are legendary. As a standout player at Cheyney University, she became the only athlete from an HBCU to earn All-American honors in women’s basketball. In 1982, she led the Cheyney Lady Wolves to the NCAA Division I Final Four, a feat that no other HBCU women’s basketball team has replicated. Under coach C. Vivian Stringer, Laney’s leadership and skill were unmatched, earning her the title of Most Outstanding Player of the East Regional.

Her impact has been recognized by many, including South Carolina head coach and fellow Philadelphia native Dawn Staley. Earlier this year, Staley wore a vintage Cheyney State jersey during an NCAA tournament game, paying tribute to Laney’s 1982 team and acknowledging the trail they blazed for women’s basketball, particularly for Black athletes.

At the street naming ceremony, family, friends, and community leaders gathered to honor Laney’s achievements and recognize the significance of her legacy. Laney’s influence extended far beyond basketball. After her time at Cheyney, she earned a law degree from Rutgers and became a practicing attorney, later serving as Atlantic City’s chief municipal public defender. But her passion for the game never left. Laney returned to her HBCU, Cheyney University as a coach, guiding the next generation of athletes at the same institution where her legacy began.

The street naming, accompanied by the heartfelt ceremony, honors not only her basketball achievements but also her broader contributions to her community and public service. “It’s a great honor to be recognized in this way,” Laney said during the event. “I hope this street becomes a symbol of what’s possible for young girls who love basketball and dream big.”

Yolanda Laney’s story continues to inspire, and her name on a street in Philadelphia serves as a lasting reminder of her contributions to both HBCU athletics and the broader community.

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