Pollard, Fritz
1894-1986 · Contribution: 1920-1921
One of the first two African American players in the NFL; first Black head coach in professional sports history
Portraits are AI-generated interpretations, not photographs.
Impact on the world
Became one of the first two African Americans in the NFL in 1920 alongside Bobby Marshall, then in his second season became co-head coach of the Akron Pros while still an active player, making him the first African American head coach in professional sports history.
Life & background
The first Black football player at Brown University and the first Black player named to the Walter Camp All-American team, Pollard became one of the first two African Americans in the NFL in 1920. He led the Akron Pros to the league's first championship in his second season and was subsequently named co-head coach while still playing running back, becoming the first African American head coach in professional sports history.
Sources
- Pro Football Hall of Fame; Encyclopædia Britannica; BlackPast.org
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