George Taliaferro, 1st African-American drafted to NFL, dies at age 91
George Taliaferro, the first African-American player to be drafted into the NFL in 1949, died Monday night at age 91, according to the George Taliaferro Sport Association.
Taliaferro was chosen by the Chicago Bears in the 13th round of the 1949 draft after being a three-time All-American at Indiana, but he never played for the Bears. He instead played the 1949 season with the Los Angeles Dons of the All-American Football Conference.
He debuted in the NFL in 1950 after the AAFC folded. He played six seasons with the New York Yanks, Dallas Texans, Baltimore Colts, and Philadelphia Eagles, and was named to the Pro Bowl for three consecutive seasons from 1951-1953.
Born Jan. 8, 1927 in Gates, Tenn., Taliaferro played quarterback, running back, wide receiver, punter, kick returner, punt returner, and defensive back in the NFL - an achievement he was quite proud of.
"I'm the one person in the history of the NFL to play seven positions," Taliaferro told The Undefeated last year. "When I went on the field, the game was over when I came off."
Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay shared his condolences Tuesday, calling Taliaferro "a trailblazer."
Rest in peace, George Taliaferro. Not only 1st African-American drafted into NFL, but also league's 2nd African-American QB. A trailblazer and true gentleman, George graced us with his presence at a recent home game. One of our last connections to pro football of the '40s/50s.
— Jim Irsay (@JimIrsay) October 9, 2018
- With h/t to ESPN