Willie Thrower was a well regarded high school player in Pennsylvania, and went on to play four seasons for Michigan State. Thrower often didn't see much action, but played a bigger role in his senior year in 1952 to keep the Spartans unbeaten string alive. Thrower was not drafted by the NFL, but signed as a free agent with the Chicago Gears and became the backup to George Blanda. Thrower made history on October 23, 1953 when he became the first African-American to play Quarterback in the NFL. Actually, it was the second time (at least) that Thrower made history as he had also been the first African-American to play in the Big 10. Thrower's NFL career consisted of only 8 passes, but he did help to blaze the trail for those who would follow him - though it took a long time for African Americans to be accepted as quarterbacks. Even his moment of glory in 1953, he was not given much of a chance. Bears coach George Halas was unhappy with George Blanda's play and pulled him, sending in Thrower. Thrower moved the team to the 4 yard line of the 49ers, but was denied a chance to scoree a TD when Halas put Blanda back into the game. Thrower was cut by the Bears after one season and came up to Canada to play. Thrower had a tryout with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in 1954, but Winnipeg had Jack Jacobs established at quarterback and Thrower was released before the season started. Thrower was picked up by Toronto Balmy Beach in the ORFU. A shoulder injury forced Thrower to retire from football and he became a social worker in New York. Willie Thrower passed away from a heart attack on February 20, 2002.
williethepro.com - A Site Dedidcated to the Memory of Willie Thrower
Thrower Getting Attention as Highschool QB - October 28, 1947
Thrower Picks Michigan State - June 2, 1949
Thrower Injures Shoulder - September 26, 1950
Thrower Making Steady Progress - September 14, 1951
Willie Thrower Makes The Grade After Four Years at Michigan State - November 17, 1952
Thrower Helps Michigan State Slaughter Marquette - November 23, 1952
Bombers Sign Three Including Thrower - April 2, 1954
Thrower Released by Bombers - July 23, 1954
Thrower QB in Beaches Loss to Dutchmen - August 28, 1954
Quarterback for Pale Hands - September 5, 1961
Dodson Second Black QB, 15 Years After Thrower - September 21, 1969
Thrower Found Fame With Arm - January 7, 1982
Thrower Opened the Door for Williams - January 30, 1988
Willie Thrower Was First Black Quarterback in NFL - February 23, 2002
Trailblazer Wllie Thrower Opened Door for Black Quarterbacks - February 24, 2002
Willie Thrower Statue Fitting Tribute - September 30, 2006
William (Willie the Pro) Thrower 1930-2012
| Year | Team | GP |
|---|---|---|
| 1954 | TBB |
Note: Accounts of Willie Thrower in Canada are somewhat contradictory. He was definitely signed and released by the Bombers prior to the start of the 1954 season (see links above). Throwe also played for Balmy Beach in 1954 (again see link above). Other articles refer to Thrower playing for the Toronto Argonauts, but he does not show up on their all-time roster and so far i haven't been able to locate any newspaper articles putting him with the Argos.
