Kenny Washington: First African American NFL Contract Player

Kenny Washington (1918-1971)
First African American NFL Contract Player, Halfback for Los Angeles Rams

Before being the first African American Football player to sign an NFL contract in 1946, Kenny Washington teamed up with Jackie Robinson (an avid football player as well as baseball), Woody Strode, and a fourth unknown black player to dominate UCLA's 1939 team. He was so skilled in the game and played so well that he became the first African American player to be named All-American. Despite this, he did not receive all of the awards he should have been entitled to because of his skin color. This caused outrage within the community and among the nation Black press. When the NFL first failed to sign him, he didn't let it hinder his performance and was still determined to be seen. He became the star of two professional minor leagues before finally being extended the draft into the NFL.

There is a day and trophy named in honor of Kenny and to highlight his everlasting presence, Tony Rosas (the 1962 winner of the award) shared, "When you play football here, you know you're after his trophy." Rosas called Washington a hero even though he, himself, was a wounded Vietnam War veteran.

What ground breaking athlete do you think of who has broken through the barrier of racism in modern times?



Source: Jimmy Jazz, Ashli Prescott, USA Today

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Warren Sapp and Michael Strahan engaging in war of words during Super Bowl week

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Warren Sapp and Michael Strahan need to contact UFC president Dana White and finally settle their disdain for each other.


Via Shutdown Corner:

Warren Sapp, has never liked Strahan, nor been shy about expressing those sentiments. Earlier this week, Sapp, who played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, was asked about the possibility of Strahan joining him in the Hall of Fame. Strahan, a former standout defensive end with the New York Giants, is one of 15 modern-day finalists eligible for induction this year.

Of course, Sapp said Strahan’s résumé did not stack up, and referred to the retired defensive end as “all hype.” Strahan fired back his own set of insults at Sapp, and even said, “The tiger does not pay attention to the opinion of the sheep.”

The war of words between Sapp and Strahan, which resembles trash-talk between two old fighters, continued on Wednesday.

“I can't make a man respect me, but I will stop him from disrespecting me -- I tell you that,” Sapp told Newsday.

Apparently, Sapp did not like Strahan referring to him as a “coward” for expressing his views to Newsday and not speaking with him directly. Was that the classic “he’s talking about me” response from most children?

Sapp believes Walter Jones, Derrick Brooks, Charles Haley and Marvin Harrison deserve induction ahead of Strahan.

“I'm just wondering if it wasn't somebody else saying it would it be taken on face value that those four dudes have a better resume?" Sapp told Newsday. “Like John Quincy Adams said in 1800, 'Facts are stubborn.' (Actually it was his father, John Adams, who said it.)

“It was about his resume; I wasn't talking about the man. But the sheep and the lion and all that? I don't understand. He still can't rush that right end. Three years, 12 sacks!"

Sapp was referring to Strahan's first three seasons at right end in the NFL. Strahan had 13 sacks in 39 games at right end from 1993-95 before he was switched to the left side in 1996. He finished with 141.5 sacks in 15 seasons with the Giants.

Strahan will find out if he is a Hall of Fame inductee on Saturday. If Strahan is voted in by the panel of football writers, this battle will resemble two neighbors arguing over property lines.

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Mitchell & Ness High 5 Pom Beanies

Here's the new Mitchell & Ness High 5 Pom Beanies that are available online at Nice Kicks and other Mitchell & Ness outlets for $24.  The teams available are from the New York Jets to Dallas Mavericks.

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