Bobby Grier (American football player) facts for kids
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Grier in 1956
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| Pittsburgh Panthers | |
|---|---|
| Position | Fullback, linebacker and Defensive back |
| Personal information | |
| Born: | January 2, 1933 Massillon, Ohio, U.S. |
| Died: | June 30, 2024 (aged 91) Warren, Ohio, U.S. |
| Career history | |
| College |
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| High school | Massillon Washington High School |
Robert Warren Grier Sr. (born January 2, 1933 – died June 6, 2024) was a famous college football player for the Pitt team. In 1956, he made history. He was the first African American football player to play in the Sugar Bowl game. This big game was held in New Orleans.
Back in the 1950s, especially in the southern United States, there was a lot of racial segregation. This meant people of different races were kept separate in sports and many other parts of life. Bobby Grier playing as a fullback, linebacker, and defensive back against an all-white team was a huge moment. It helped break down barriers in sports.
Bobby Grier's Life Story
Bobby Grier grew up in Massillon, Ohio. He started playing football for the Massillon Tigers in high school. Later, he played college football at the University of Pittsburgh. After college, Grier joined the Air Force. He worked there for many years.
After his military service, he became an administrator at a community college in Pittsburgh. He stayed active in the Pittsburgh community. In 2009, he was honored as a Washington High School Distinguished Citizen. He was also added to the Massillon Tiger Wall of Champions.
In 2022, Bobby Grier's story was part of a documentary called Sky Blossom. His son, Robert Grier Jr., and granddaughter, Camille, were also in it. The film was made by Richard Lui. In October 2022, Bobby Grier was added to the Pitt Athletics Hall of Fame. Pitt's Director of Athletics, Heather Lyke, said he was a "richly deserving honoree."
Grier is also in the Sugar Bowl Hall of Fame. He is a member of the Western Chapter of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame. Bobby Grier and his son, Robert Grier, work closely with the Elizabeth Dole Foundation. His story has been shared on many TV channels and in newspapers. These include CNBC, History Channel, ESPN, and The New York Times. In 2024, Pitt announced they would wear a special helmet sticker. This was to honor Grier during their football season.
The 1956 Sugar Bowl Game
Before the 1956 Sugar Bowl game, there was a lot of debate. Bobby Grier's Pitt Panthers were set to play the Yellow Jackets from Georgia Tech. Many people argued about whether Grier should be allowed to play. They also wondered if Georgia Tech would even play in the game. The governor of Georgia, Marvin Griffin, was strongly against different races playing together.
Many people in New Orleans and some connected to Georgia Tech tried to stop Grier from playing. They also tried to stop Pitt or Georgia Tech from being in the game. However, many others supported Grier. These included Georgia Tech's president, coach, students, and players. Civil rights leaders and many people from Pitt also helped. Because of their efforts, Grier was able to play football that January day.
In December 1955, Governor Marvin Griffin sent a public message. He asked that Georgia teams not play in games with Black participants or fans. Blake Ragsdale Van Leer, Georgia Tech's president, said no to this request. Governor Griffin later asked for President Van Leer and the Georgia Tech players to be punished. But Van Leer stood firm. He even said he would resign if needed. The faculty senate gave him a standing ovation for his strong stance.
Georgia Tech won the game 7–0. The main reason for their win was a disputed penalty. In the first quarter, a pass interference penalty was called on Grier. This gave Georgia Tech the ball very close to the goal line. They scored the only touchdown on the next play. Pictures later showed that the referee's call was likely wrong.
The referee, Rusty Coles, was from the Pittsburgh area. He admitted he made a mistake after watching the game films. Grier was the leading rusher in the game with 51 yards. After the game, he disagreed with the penalty call. But he praised the Georgia Tech players. He said, "They were good sportsmen... They played hard, but clean. It was a good game. But believe me. I didn't push that man."
Many experts see Bobby Grier's playing in the 1956 Sugar Bowl as a very important moment. It helped improve race relations in America. In 2019, Grier was chosen for the Sugar Bowl Hall of Fame. In 2022, Grier and his son Rob visited Georgia Tech. They also went to the College Football Hall of Fame and the National Center for Civil and Human Rights. At Georgia Tech, Grier met Wade Mitchell, Georgia Tech's quarterback from 1956. It was their first meeting since the game. The Van Leer and Grier families are still close today.
See also
- Pittsburgh Panthers football
- 1956 Sugar Bowl
