Willie Thrower was the first African American quarterback in the NFL, playing for the Chicago Bears in the 1950s. He attended Michigan State where he won a national championship. Though he only had limited playing time in the NFL with just 3 complete passes over his 2 seasons, one notable drive saw him lead the Bears within 1 yard of the end zone before being replaced, which drew boos from the crowd. Willie Thrower helped pave the way for future African American quarterbacks in the NFL.
2. The Jackie Robinson of
Football
Willie thrower was the first African American
quarterback in the NFL.
He went to college at Michigan State were he won a
National Championship.
He was not drafted but signed by the Chicago Bears.
He only had 3 complete passes in his 2 seasons in
the league
He was most noted for one of his only drives were he
was able to get the ball to the 1 yard line before the
starting quarterback came back in the game. The
crowd booed as Willie came off the field. Then on
the next play the Bears scored and the crowd went
from boos to cheers
4. How he affected the future of
African American football
players
Willie inspired many African Americans to
pursue their dream of football.
There was not another African American
quarter back in the NFL for 15 years
Now there are many African American
Quarterbacks in the NFL because of
him.
5. Willie’s Childhood
In Highschool Willie attended New
Kensignton High which was later named
Valley High School.
He played halfback for his first 2 years
Then his coach switched his position to
quarterback were he went 35-1 his last 2
years of highschool
Despite being very good colleges did not
offer him a scholarship just because of
his ethnicity.
6. Overall Willie Thrower
jumpstarted African Americans
into Professional football .
Today most people do not know
who he his but most African
American football
quarterbacks do an he provides
inspiration and determination for
them .
