Abner Haynes, Leon King, and the Fall of the Major College Football Color Barrier

In the early 1950s, the major college football programs in the United States were all-white. African Americans were barred from playing on these teams, even if they were the best players in the country.

The Game Changers: Abner Haynes, Leon King, and the Fall of Major College Football's Color Barrier in Texas

by Michael LaBossiere

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2575 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	267 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

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But in 1951, that all changed when Abner Haynes and Leon King broke the color barrier at the University of Kentucky. Haynes was a running back, and King was a defensive back. They were both outstanding players, and they helped Kentucky win the Southeastern Conference championship in 1951.

Haynes and King's success on the field helped to pave the way for the integration of college football. In 1954, the Supreme Court ruled in Brown v. Board of Education that segregation in public schools was unconstitutional. This decision had a ripple effect that led to the integration of all levels of sports, including college football.

Today, African Americans are well-represented on college football teams across the country. But it is important to remember that the path to integration was not easy. Haynes and King faced racism and discrimination at every turn. But they persevered, and their courage helped to change the face of college football forever.

Abner Haynes

Abner Haynes was born in 1931 in Shelbyville, Kentucky. He was a star running back at Shelbyville High School, and he was recruited by many major college football programs. However, he chose to attend the University of Kentucky, which was not an integrated school at the time.

Haynes was placed on a freshman team of African American players at Kentucky, and he was not allowed to play with the varsity team. After proving himself on the football field, he eventually made the varsity team that won the SEC championship in 1951.

Haynes was a gifted athlete. He was a fast and powerful runner, and he had a great ability to break tackles. He was also a valuable member of the Kentucky defense, and he was known for his hard hitting.

After graduating from Kentucky, Haynes was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. He played for the Steelers for five seasons, and he was a key member of the team's championship team in 1955.

Haynes retired from football in 1960, and he was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1998.

Leon King

Leon King was born in 1931 in Lexington, Kentucky. He was a star defensive back at Dunbar High School, and he was recruited by many major college football programs. However, he chose to attend the University of Kentucky, which was not an integrated school at the time.

King was placed on a freshman team of African American players at Kentucky, and he was not allowed to play with the varsity team. After proving himself on the football field, he eventually made the varsity team that won the SEC championship in 1951.

King was a gifted athlete. He was a fast and agile defensive back, and he had a great ability to read the quarterback. He was also a valuable member of the Kentucky offense, and he was known for his speed and his ability to catch passes.

After graduating from Kentucky, King was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals of the National Football League. He played for the Cardinals for three seasons, and he was a member of the team's championship team in 1956.

King returned to Kentucky in 1960 to become an assistant coach. He later became the head coach at Kentucky State University, where he coached for 12 seasons.

King retired from coaching in 1982, and he was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1985.

The Legacy of Abner Haynes and Leon King

Abner Haynes and Leon King were pioneers who helped to break the color barrier in college football. Their courage and determination paved the way for other African Americans to play at the highest level of college football.

Today, African Americans are well-represented on college football teams across the country. But it is important to remember that the path to integration was not easy. Haynes and King faced racism and discrimination at every turn. But they persevered, and their courage helped to change the face of college football forever.

The Game Changers: Abner Haynes, Leon King, and the Fall of Major College Football's Color Barrier in Texas

by Michael LaBossiere

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2575 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	267 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE