Marion Motley stands as a pivotal figure in the history of professional football, not only for his exceptional talent on the field but also for his courageous role in breaking the sport's color barrier. Alongside his teammate Bill Willis, Motley was one of the first two African-Americans to play professional football in the modern era, making their debut in September 1946 for the Cleveland Browns. This significant moment predated Jackie Robinson's
entry into Major League Baseball by seven months, highlighting Motley's early contribution to integrating American sports. His career was marked by both athletic achievement and the enduring struggle against racial discrimination, which he confronted with resilience and a focus on performance.
Early Integration and Challenges
Motley's entry into professional football with the Cleveland Browns in 1946 was a landmark event. He and Bill Willis were not the only black players in professional football that year; the Los Angeles Rams of the National Football League had signed Kenny Washington and Woody Strode earlier. However, Motley and Willis's presence in the newly formed All-America Football Conference (AAFC) marked a significant step towards broader integration. Motley recognized the profound opportunity this presented, stating, "I knew this was the one big chance in my life to rise above the steel mill existence, and I really wanted to take it."
Despite the historic nature of their inclusion, Motley and Willis faced considerable racism both on and off the field. They endured shouted insults during games and experienced discrimination in various forms. Motley famously recounted, "They found out that while they were calling us niggers and alligator bait, I was running for touchdowns and Willis was knocking the shit out of them. So they stopped calling us names and started trying to catch up with us." This quote encapsulates their strategy of using their on-field dominance to counter prejudice.
Paul Brown's Stance Against Discrimination
Cleveland Browns coach Paul Brown played a crucial role in supporting Motley and Willis against racial discrimination. Brown, focused intensely on winning, did not tolerate racism within his team. His commitment to success meant that he would not allow prejudice to hinder his team's performance or unity. This firm stance provided a degree of protection and stability for Motley and Willis in an otherwise hostile environment.
There were instances where Brown's intervention directly addressed discriminatory practices. For example, Motley and Willis once received threatening letters before a game against the Miami Seahawks, leading them not to travel with the team. On another occasion in Miami, when Motley and Willis were denied entry to the team's hotel, Brown threatened to move the entire team to a different accommodation. The hotel management subsequently backed down, demonstrating Brown's unwavering support and his power to enforce fair treatment for his players.
Lasting Impact and Changing Attitudes
Motley and Willis's presence on the Browns not only broke barriers but also contributed to changing attitudes towards race in America. The post-World War II era saw social and political upheaval that prompted a reevaluation of societal norms. While progress was slow and hostility persisted, the color barrier in all major American sports was broken by 1950. Many of their teammates had already played with black athletes in college, where integration was more common across the country.
The visibility of Motley and Willis also had a significant impact on fan attendance. Large black audiences came to watch them play, contributing to strong attendance at many of the Browns' early games. One estimate suggests that 10,000 black fans attended the Browns' first game, highlighting the cultural significance of their participation. Motley's career, which included a record-setting 5.7 yards per carry average for running backs, not only showcased his athletic prowess but also paved the way for future generations of black athletes in professional football, leaving an indelible mark on the sport and society.
Post-Playing Career and Continued Struggles
Even after his playing career, Motley continued to face challenges related to racial discrimination. After leaving the Browns in 1953 due to knee injuries and a brief comeback attempt with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1955, he pursued a coaching career. However, he was turned away by the Browns and other teams he approached. Motley attributed his difficulty in finding a coaching job to racial discrimination, questioning whether teams were truly ready to hire a black coach at that time.
Despite these post-playing career obstacles, Motley's legacy as a player was eventually recognized. He was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1968, a testament to his extraordinary talent and his pioneering role in professional football. His career average of 5.7 yards per carry remains a record for running backs, solidifying his place as one of the greatest players in the sport's history and a true trailblazer for equality.
