Bernie Custis, a Pioneering Quarterback, Dies at 88

[JSngry]

 

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

 

[Kevin Bresnahan]

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

[GA Russell]

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/#comments
http://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-88-1.679497
http://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/

[JSngry]

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.

[catesta]

Interesting that he passed on the Browns in order to play QB but ended up switching to a different position the next year anyway.

[JSngry]

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!