Felmon Motley facts for kids
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| Delaware State Hornets | |
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| Position | Fullback, lineman |
| Personal information | |
| Born: | March 18, 1921 Alabama |
| Died: | August 28, 2004 (aged 83) Delaware |
| Career history | |
| College | Alabama A&M (1941) Delaware State (1942, 1946–1947) |
| High school | Cobb High School |
| Career highlights and awards | |
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Felmon Devoner Motley (born March 18, 1921 – died August 28, 2004) was an important American football player. He was also a strong supporter of civil rights. He played as a fullback and a lineman for the Alabama A&M Bulldogs and the Delaware State Hornets. His achievements were recognized when he was added to the Delaware Sports Museum and Hall of Fame in 1998.
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Early Life and College Football
Felmon Motley was born in Alabama on March 18, 1921. He grew up in Anniston. He went to Cobb High School and graduated in 1940. His football coach there was Dyke Smith.
In 1941, Motley joined Alabama A&M University. He played for their football team, which was also coached by Dyke Smith. When Coach Smith moved to Delaware State College in 1942, Felmon Motley went with him. Thirty-two other players also moved with the coach.
Playing for Delaware State
In 1942, Motley showed his speed at Delaware State. He ran a 100-yard dash in just 9.9 seconds. This was very fast for the time.
Serving in World War II
From 1943 to 1945, Felmon Motley served in World War II. During his service, he played football for a military team. This team was at Fort Huachuca. He was one of the "Black Four Horsemen." The media gave them this nickname. The other players were Bernie "Catfish" George, William "Rip" Stephens, and Nate "What a Man" Johnson.
In the 1945 Copper Bowl game, Motley scored the winning touchdown. He took the ball from the opposing quarterback in the final seconds. He later said, "The coach told me to get the ball, and back then you did what the coach said." He returned to Delaware State in 1946. He finished his college studies after the 1947 football season.
Later Life and Important Work
After college, Felmon Motley continued his education. He earned a master's degree in education in 1952. This degree was from the University of Delaware.
A Pioneer Teacher
Motley then became a teacher at Seaford High School. He taught industrial arts. He was the first Black teacher at an all-white school in that part of Delaware. This was a very important step for civil rights. Sometimes, others at the school would not help him clean his classroom. This was because he was Black. But Felmon Motley would clean it himself. He taught for 37 years, retiring in 1984.
Community Leadership
Felmon Motley was also a leader in his community. From 1963 to 1967, he was the president of the Delaware State Alumni Association. He also helped create the school's Wall of Honor. Motley even created the school's motto: "Enter to Learn and Go Forth to Serve."
In the 1960s, he was the official photographer for Omega Psi Phi. This is a well-known fraternity. He also marched with Martin Luther King Jr. and other civil rights leaders. He worked hard for equal rights for all people.
Awards and Legacy
Felmon Motley was nominated for the Delaware Sports Museum and Hall of Fame by Bill Collick. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1998.
He passed away on August 28, 2004, at 83 years old in Delaware. After his death, he was honored again. He was added to the Delaware State University Hall of Fame in 2010–11. His life showed great achievements in sports, education, and civil rights.
