Washington, Kenny
1918-1971 · Contribution: 1946
First African American to sign an NFL contract in the modern post-World War II era
Portraits are AI-generated interpretations, not photographs.
Impact on the world
Signed with the Los Angeles Rams in 1946 alongside teammate Woody Strode, re-integrating the NFL after a 12-year unwritten ban on Black players among league owners, though by the time he signed his peak playing years were already behind him.
Life & background
A standout UCLA running back alongside teammate Jackie Robinson, Washington signed with the Los Angeles Rams in 1946 together with fellow UCLA player Woody Strode, becoming the first African American to sign an NFL contract in the modern post-World War II era after league owners had maintained an unwritten agreement excluding Black players since 1934. The signing came after pressure from Black journalists and the commission controlling the Rams' stadium lease.
Sources
- HISTORY.com (9 Black Athletes Who Integrated Professional Sports); Encyclopædia Britannica; NFL Football Operations (Reintegration of the NFL); Biography.com
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