&sq=Google&lang=en&file=File:Bobby_Grier_(1955).jpg) Grier in 1956 | |
| Pittsburgh Panthers | |
|---|---|
| Position | Fullback, linebacker and Defensive back |
| Personal information | |
| Born: | January 2, 1933 Massillon, Ohio, U.S. |
| Died: | June 30, 2024 (aged 91) Warren, Ohio, U.S. |
| Career history | |
| College |
|
| High school | Massillon Washington High School |
Robert Warren Grier Sr. (January 2, 1933 – June 30, 2024)[1] was an American college football player for Pitt. In 1956, he was the first African American football player to break the color barrier of the United States collegiate Sugar Bowl game, which was held in New Orleans. Particularly in the deep South, the mid-1950s was a period of strident racial segregation for sports, as well as other areas of life. At the time, Grier's participation in a fullback, linebacker and defensive back against a segregated all-white team on such a prestigious "stage" was a tremendously significant event.