JSngry Posted February 24, 2017 Report Share Posted February 24, 2017 He had been a star quarterback with Syracuse University and was selected by the Cleveland Browns in the 1951 National Football League draft. Told he would play safety with the Browns, he resisted the move and opted to sign with Hamilton. He started every game at quarterback in his first season. https://www.nytimes.com/.../football/bernie-custis-dead-first-black-pro-quarterback.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kevin Bresnahan Posted February 24, 2017 Report Share Posted February 24, 2017 Bad link. This one might work: https://www.nytimes.com/2017/02/23/sports/football/bernie-custis-dead-first-black-pro-quarterback.html?_r=0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GA Russell Posted February 24, 2017 Report Share Posted February 24, 2017 Jim, I didn't know you were interested in the Canadian league! Here are a few more reports that I had planned to post in the Canadian league thread. http://3downnation.com/2017/02/23/football-pioneer-bernie-custis-passes-away-age-88/#commentshttp://www.cfl.ca/2017/02/23/cfl-mourns-passing-bernie-custis/http://www.cfl.ca/2017/02/24/ealey-holloway-reflect-path-custis-paved/http://www.tsn.ca/pioneering-quarterback-custis-dead-at-88-1.679497http://www.cbc.ca/sports/football/cfl/bernie-custis-death-cfl-1.3996606 ***** In addition, there is a book for youngsters which highlights Custis's career called Choice of Colours. https://www.amazon.com/Choice-Colours-African-American-Quarterbacks-Recordbooks/dp/1550289934/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JSngry Posted February 24, 2017 Author Report Share Posted February 24, 2017 Not really actvely interested in CFL per se, but it seems like a notable passing relative to the sociology of the Athletic Industrial Complex in general. Americans tend to think that all sports "firsts" are ours, and it just ain't so. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
catesta Posted February 24, 2017 Report Share Posted February 24, 2017 Interesting that he passed on the Browns in order to play QB but ended up switching to a different position the next year anyway. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JSngry Posted February 24, 2017 Author Report Share Posted February 24, 2017 I like that he considered his options beyond the immediate offerings. Hell, I like that he even considered the possibility that he had options. And I like the CFL for existing as an option. The Browns would get their Syracuse running back soon enough! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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