The college football world was mourning on Sunday when the news broke that one of the legends in the history of the sport passed away over the weekend.
Former Pittsburgh Panthers star Bobby Grier, a pivotal figure in college football history, passed away recently, the program confirmed this weekend.
Grier, a Massillon, Ohio native, died on June 30 at the age of 91. A fullback and linebacker, he suited up for the Panthers from 1953-55.
Grier became a trailblazer in his senior season, when he broke the color line at the Sugar Bowl against Georgia Tech, becoming the first African-American to play in the prestigious postseason game despite considerable opposition. He changed college football moving forward that day.
Georgia governor Marvin Griffin, a segregationist, led a contingent to prevent Grier from playing. However, they were ultimately overruled by a group of advocates that included Georgia Tech administration, coaches and players, civil rights leaders, and members of the Pitt program and community.
Grier had the strong support of his teammates and University leadership, who vowed “No Grier, no game.” Support for Grier also came from Georgia Tech students and football players, who protested against Gov. Griffin, burning him in effigy outside the governor’s mansion.
Following the game, the Pitt and Georgia Tech teams were invited to a banquet in New Orleans at the St. Charles Hotel, which served only white patrons. As Grier stepped off the team bus, several Georgia Tech players, all from the South, greeted Grier and told him, “You’re eating with us.”.
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This was not a sudden death. Age 91 is not considered a sudden death.