Fritz Pollard Research Papers

Fritz Pollard was one of the greatest football players of his time, but has been significantly overshadowed by players who have came after him. One of the main reasons he may be forgotten is because of the term “Modern Day NFL”. He was the first African American in the NFL, but not the so-called “Modern Day NFL. He has a countless number of awards and prizes due to his fantastic play on the football field, but he will be bettered remembered for being the first African American football player. Fritz was an African American who played during a time when America was highly segregated. Fritz truly helped pave the way for many of today’s stars in the league. Fritz Pollard made a stand for racial equality in the 1920’s and 1930’s because he enhanced

Mr. Pollard enhanced the average African-American’s life through various creations. Fritz founded an all African American football team named the Chicago Blackhawks; surprisingly this all-black team that Fritz founded and coached became one of the most popular in the nation. He was also influential in recruiting other African-Americans into the league. Another venture that Fritz did to support African American rights was the “Inter Racial All Star Game”. This game featured both the best White and Black football players in the United States. Some people may have found Fritz to be a bit cocky or boastful because of things he would say, but many did not. Those who found him humble said, “It’s not bragging or boasting when you can back it up” (Adam Rank, NFL.com). He definitely backed up any talk or “smack” that he boasted with his play. Fritz may have primarily been a football star, but that was not the only place he made a big difference. He also had ventures in the business world as well. In 1935, he founded the first tabloid run by African-Americans called the Independent

Fritz organized the “Inter-Racial All Star Game” which featured the top black and white players of the time. The aforementioned Chicago Blackhawks, made by Fritz, were extremely popular and successful largely due to Fritz. In fact, they were so popular that according to Adam Rank, and the Biography of Fritz Pollard, this team “became one of the most popular teams in all of sports… and played all over the place.” (Biography.Com). These two events really show Fritz creating opportunities for members of the African American race. He was also a big time recruiter; he helped get many African-Americans into the league during his time as a coach and player, giving equal opportunity to both races. In addition to these great deeds, in 1933 when all of the owners in the NFL made a “gentlemen’s agreement” that no more African-Americans would be signed in the NFL. During his tenure as a player, Mr. Pollard also had to protect himself and the other African Americans in the league. In a quote he says “The white players were always trying to hurt us (other African Americans in the league), and we had to protect ourselves if we wanted to stay in the game.” (Charles K. Ross, Page 8). Fritz made another all African-American team, this time based in New York, although they were not as big of hit as the Chicago Blackhawks were, they still were relevant during the 1920’s. Another sign of