Merl Code facts for kids
| Born: | September 8, 1948 Seneca, South Carolina, U.S. |
|---|---|
| Career information | |
| CFL status | International |
| Position(s) | DB |
| Height | 6 ft 0 in (183 cm) |
| Weight | 195 lb (88 kg) |
| College | North Carolina A&T |
| High school | Blue Ridge (Greer, South Carolina) |
| Career history | |
| As player | |
| 1970–1973 | Montreal Alouettes |
| 1974–1975 | Memphis Southmen |
| 1976 | Ottawa Rough Riders |
| Career highlights and awards | |
|
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Merl F. Code, born on September 8, 1948, is a remarkable person. He was a champion football player. After his sports career, he became a successful lawyer. He has also been a leader in his community.
Contents
Merl Code: A Champion On and Off the Field
Early Life and College Football
Merl Code grew up as the son of Allen Louis Code and Sedalia Blassingame Code. He loved football from a young age. He went to North Carolina A&T State University for college. There, he played college football. He also studied hard and earned a degree in mathematics. During his college years, he was recognized as a "Little All-American" in 1969. This award honors top players from smaller colleges.
Professional Football Career
Merl Code became a professional football player in 1970. He joined the Montreal Alouettes in the CFL. In his very first season, he helped his team win the Grey Cup championship. This is one of the biggest awards in Canadian football. He played 30 games for the Alouettes over four seasons.
After his time with the Alouettes, he played for the Memphis Southmen. This team was part of a new league called the World Football League. He played with them for two seasons. Merl Code finished his football career back in the CFL. He played five games for the Ottawa Rough Riders. During these games, he intercepted two passes, showing his skill as a defensive back.
Life After Football: A Legal Career
After his football days were over, Merl Code decided to go back to school. He attended the University of South Carolina's School of Law. In 1979, he earned his law degree. He was a special student, receiving an Earl Warren Legal Scholarship. He also made history by becoming the first African American to lead the Student Bar Association at the university. This showed his leadership skills early on.
Community Leader and Awards
Merl Code has achieved many great things in his life. He became a municipal judge, which means he helps make decisions in local courts. In 1981, he was the first African American to serve as a Municipal Court Judge in Greenville, South Carolina.
He also became the first African American to lead the Greenville Chamber of Commerce in 1999. This organization helps local businesses grow. Merl Code has received many awards for his contributions. In 1996, he received the Order of the Palmetto. This is the highest award a civilian can get in South Carolina. He also received the Compleat Lawyer Award in 1997. Both North Carolina A&T University and the South Carolina Black Hall of Fame have honored him. In 2001, the South Carolina Department of Education featured him in their African-American History Month calendar. He was recognized alongside other important Black South Carolinians.
Business Ventures
Beyond his legal and community work, Merl Code is also a successful businessman. He owns and leads Precision Tool Manufacturer. He is also the owner and chairman of Code Insurance Associates. Additionally, he is the president of Code & Associates, which is a sports management agency. This agency helps athletes manage their careers. Merl Code also practices law with a firm called Ogletree Deakins.
Merl Code and his wife, Denise, have two children.
