A legend was lost Monday night. Former football player George Taliaferro, who was the first black player drafted by an NFL team, passed away.
The announcement was made by the George Taliaferro Sport Association via Twitter:
We regret to announce that our namesake of the organization has passed away. George Taliaferro was truly a role model in the Bloomington community. We will continue to make sure his legacy lives on here and throughout the country! pic.twitter.com/Wlxrrh33th— George Taliaferro Sport Assoc. (@IU_GTSA) October 9, 2018
The 91-year-old earned his title when Taliaferro was drafted by the Chicago Bears in 1949, ESPN reports. Although he never played for the team because of a former commitment to the Los Angeles Dons of the All-American Football Conference, he made his official NFL debut with the New York Yanks in 1950.
The accomplished Taliaferro played seven positions during his tenure, ranging from quarterback to running back, wide receiver, punter, kick returner, punt returner and defensive back, ESPN reports.
“I’m the one person in the history of the NFL to play seven positions,” Taliaferro told The Undefeated’s Jerry Bembry in September 2017. “When I went on the field, the game was over when I came off.”
According to Bleacher Report, Taliaferro uplifted the future black leaders of tomorrow after his retirement by serving as the dean of students at Morgan State, a historically black university in Maryland.
The former player’s legacy was remembered both by Colts owner Jim Irsay and Chicago Bears running back Jordan Howard, who recognized Taliaferro’s efforts as nothing short of trailblazing.
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
Rest In Peace to George Taliaferro, A true Pioneer and IU Legend pic.twitter.com/nRd6xp56Gr— Jordan Howard (@JHowardx24) October 9, 2018
Now, check these out:
NFL Player Lets His Clothes Do The Protesting After ‘Monday Night Football’ Victory
How Retired NFL Player David Carter Became The New face Of Food Justice And Plant Based Living
NFL Partners With HBCUs To Increase Opportunities Off The Field
