Willie Thrower
AKA
MITTS
Willie Thrower Statement:
“I felt like the Jackie Robinson of football” at a
time “there were no black quarterbacks … it just didn’t
happen.”
Wille Thrower, Michigan State University quarterback became the first black quarterback in the NFL. Coming off the bench for the Chicago Bears, he threw only eight passes – connecting on three – and became an immediate trailblazer for African American athletes. Thrower was inducted into the WPIAL Hall of Fame in 2011. He was known also for his explosive arm throw of 70 yards. Thrower was born March 22, 1930 in Kensington, Pennsylvania.
Sadly Wille died of a heart attack in New Kensington on Wednesday February 20, 2002 at the age of 71. His funeral was held at the Mount Calvary Missionary Baptist Church in New Kensington. Many mourners showed their respects but many black NFL players did not attend nor mention what he has done as not just an African American but a black icon in the field of Pro Football. He is survived by his wife Mary and three sons .
In 2006, a statue of Thrower was erected near Valley High School in New Kensington to honor his accomplishments as a prior student and world leader in sports. The statue was unveiled during a Valley High School football game in September Mary Thrower and her three sons, Willie, Jason and Melvin, unveil attended the event and also Pittsburgh Steelers owner Dan Rooney.
In 2011, he was inducted into the WPIAL Hall of Fame.
Address of Hall of Fame
Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic League
Suite 300, 615 Iron City Drive, Pittsburgh PA 15205
Phone: (412) 921-7181
Specialist historians failed to recognize his contributions to the NFL for many years due to his race and achievements, his accomplishments were monumental as many of the greats who came after him. It was not until ESPN did a media bio on him that the country and world found out that he was the FIRST BLACK QUARTER BACK RECORDED IN HISTORY that played the NFL.
REFERENCES
ESPN
Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic League
NFL
ESPN
LA TIMES