Bobby Grier Sr.
First Black to Play in Sugar Bowl that changed history in 1956
1933
Robert Grier Sr., a pivotal figure in American sports history, made significant strides as the first African American college football player to break the color barrier in the prestigious United States collegiate Sugar Bowl game of 1956, held in New Orleans. In a period marked by profound racial segregation, particularly in the deep South during the mid-1950s, Grier’s participation as a fullback and linebacker against an all-white team carried profound significance.
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Biography
Robert Grier’s journey began in Massillon, Ohio, where he grew up. During his senior year in high school, he ventured into football, playing for the professional team, the Massillon Tigers. This passion for the sport continued into his college years at the University of Pittsburgh (Pitt).
After college, Grier joined the United States Air Force, dedicating several years to military service. Upon his retirement from the armed forces, he transitioned into a career as an administrator at a community college in Pittsburgh. He remains actively involved in the Pittsburgh community, leaving an indelible mark.
In recognition of his contributions, Grier received numerous accolades. In 2009, he earned the title of Washington High School Distinguished Citizen and was subsequently honored on the Massillon Tiger Wall of Champions. In 2022, a documentary titled “Sky Blossom,” produced by Richard Lui, shed light on Grier’s story and his family’s experiences. Furthermore, in October 2022, Bobby Grier received the prestigious honor of being enshrined in the Pitt Athletics Hall at Heinz Field, with Pitt’s Director of Athletics Heather Lyke acknowledging his richly deserved place in the Hall of Fame.
Grier and his son maintain close involvement with the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, contributing to their commitment to philanthropy. His story has garnered attention from various media networks, including CNBC, History Channel, ESPN, The New York Times, and more.
1956 Sugar Bowl
The 1956 Sugar Bowl was marked by intense controversy surrounding Robert Grier’s participation. Pitt’s Panthers, led by Grier, were scheduled to face Georgia Tech’s Yellow Jackets. However, the debate over whether Grier should be allowed to play and whether Georgia Tech would partake in the game took center stage. Georgia Governor Marvin Griffin was openly opposed to racial integration, exemplifying the racial tensions of the era.
This tumultuous period was characterized by significant civil rights events, including the tragic lynching of Emmett Till in Mississippi the previous summer and Rosa Parks’ Montgomery bus boycott a month before the Sugar Bowl.
Despite fierce opposition from various quarters, a coalition that included civil rights leaders, members of the Pitt community, and even some from Georgia Tech successfully ensured Grier’s participation in the game.
Governor Griffin’s efforts to prevent integrated events involving Black participants or attendees extended to sending a public telegram to Georgia’s Board Of Regents in December 1955. He urged them to bar Georgia teams from participating. However, Georgia Tech’s president, Blake Ragsdale Van Leer, rejected this request. Despite facing considerable pressure, Van Leer remained steadfast in his support for integration and threatened to resign. Tragically, Van Leer passed away from a heart attack a mere three weeks after the Sugar Bowl, thus avoiding any potential long-term professional consequences for his stance.
The 1956 Sugar Bowl resulted in a 7-0 victory for Georgia Tech, with the decisive margin being a disputed first-quarter 31-yard pass interference penalty called on Grier. This penalty led to a first-and-goal situation for Georgia Tech, who subsequently scored the game’s only touchdown on the following play. Later analysis of photographic evidence strongly suggested that the referee’s call had been incorrect.
The unexpected irony in this incident was that the referee, Rusty Coles, hailed from the Pittsburgh area and had no vested interest in making an erroneous call. It was simply a mistake, which he later acknowledged upon reviewing the game films.
Despite the controversy, Robert Grier concluded the game as the leading rusher with 51 yards. After the game, he voiced his protest against the pass interference call while praising the Georgia Tech players for their sportsmanship.
Grier’s groundbreaking participation in the 1956 Sugar Bowl and the support he received from various communities are viewed by experts as a significant milestone in American race relations.
In 2019, Robert Grier Sr. earned a well-deserved place as a member of the Sugar Bowl Hall of Fame, a testament to his enduring legacy in college football history.