John Westbrook (American football) facts for kids

John Hill Westbrook (born November 13, 1947 – died December 17, 1983) was a pastor and a very important athlete. He was the first African American to play American football in the Southwest Conference while he was a student at Baylor University. His courage helped open doors for many others.

John Westbrook's Early Life and School

John Westbrook was born in Groesbeck, Texas. His father, Robert Westbrook, was a pastor, just like his father and grandfathers before him. John followed this family tradition and became a preacher himself when he was only 15 years old.

He went to high school in Elgin, Texas. John was a great student and athlete, playing both basketball and football. He was also the second-best student in his graduating class.

College Football Pioneer

In 1965, John started college at Baylor University. He joined the football team as a running back. At that time, very few African American students attended Baylor, and none had ever received a football scholarship. John faced some unfair treatment from certain teammates and coaches because of his race.

Despite these challenges, John earned an athletic scholarship before his second year. The head coach, John Bridgers, decided that John would play in the first game of the 1966 season against Syracuse University. On September 10, 1966, John Westbrook stepped onto the field during the fourth quarter of that game, which was shown on TV across the country. This moment made him the first African American to play in the Southwest Conference.

He played in several more games that season. However, he got a knee injury during a game against Texas Christian University. This injury limited how much he could play for the rest of his time at Baylor. John graduated from Baylor in 1969 with degrees in English and religion. He later earned a master's degree in English from Southwest Missouri State University.

John Westbrook's Career and Family Life

After college, John Westbrook worked for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes in Kansas City. He then moved to Nashville to work for the Southern Baptist Convention, where he helped with issues between different races.

He also worked as an academic adviser for athletes at Florida State University. Later, he taught English part-time at Wiley College in Marshall, Texas. John continued his family's tradition by serving as a pastor at True Vine Baptist Church in Tyler, Texas and Antioch Missionary Baptist Church in Houston.

In 1968, John married Paulette White from Houston. They had four children together: Elicia, Kirsten, John Jr., and Elizabeth.

John Westbrook passed away in 1983 at the age of 36 due to a health issue called a pulmonary embolism. His funeral was held in Houston, and so many people came that the church was completely full. Important leaders like Houston mayor Kathy Whitmire and Texas governor Mark White attended to honor him.

John Westbrook's Lasting Legacy

John Westbrook's impact is still remembered today. In 2009, Baylor University's athletics department created the John Westbrook Award for Courage and Perseverance. This award is given every year to two Baylor student-athletes (one male and one female). These athletes are chosen because they have overcome tough challenges and have made positive contributions to their teams and communities.

In 2016, 50 years after his historic game against Syracuse, John Westbrook was honored during a home game at Baylor. His family was there to accept the honor on his behalf, celebrating his bravery and the path he paved for future generations.