After making his NFL debut in 1953 for the Chicago Bears, Willie Thrower lived his life as a footnote in the history books of one of professional football’s most storied franchises.
Willie Thrower lived his life as a footnote in the history books of one of professional football’s most storied franchises.
“Because of the Jim Crow laws there, they told New Kensington High School’s coach could bring white players, but they would have to leave the two Black players — Willie Thrower and Flint Green — behind,” recounted George Guido, a retired journalist and New Kensington historian. From 1949-52, Thrower was a backup quarterback at Michigan State, which joined the Big Ten in 1950 . He was one of four Black players on the team along with safety Jim Ellis, halfback Leroy Bolden and end Ellis Duckett, who was named to the Chicago Tribune All-America team in 1951.
For its first decade teams signed Black players, but after the 1933 season they disappeared. An unofficial ban — or “gentleman’s agreement” — during the Depression era prevented Black players from participating in pro football from 1934-46, a year before MLB integrated. Team owners denied the existence of a ban, but there’s little explanation otherwise as to why Black players suddenly vanished from NFL rosters.
“From the beginning of training camp, word from the press and players was that Thrower could not handle the position and struggled with the key aspects of learning the plays and commanding the offense. In other words, he had the physical tools — everyone marveled at his arm strength — but lacked the intangibles of brainpower and leadership to replace white men at the position and lead white men.
“I didn’t even realize my dad was the first Black quarterback until I was in eighth grade,” Melvin said. “If you knew my dad, he was very humble, very quiet. He didn’t walk around with an ‘S’ on his chest. A lot of people around here called him a liar. I really believe that hurt my dad, and he really never spoke about his accomplishments unless you knew him.
Melvyn Smith, who isn’t related to Thrower but knew him as an uncle, serves as president of the foundation. He has dedicated much of his time to ensuring the people of southwestern Pennsylvania know who Thrower was.“You can go through New Kensington, Arnold and Lower Burrell — three contiguous cities all with the same zip code,” Smith said. “The one thing that will remain consistent is you will never hear anybody say a negative word of Willie Thrower. Never.
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