The Cookout

RCNAL said:

This is both for Black History Month but also an HBCU coaching legend.

The late Eddie Robinson was born 104 years ago today. Eddie Robinson and the 1964 Grambling coaching staff are pictured in the official Orange Blossom Classic program from that season. From 1941 to 1942 and again from 1945 to 1997, Robinson coached at Grambling State University in Louisiana and racked up a career record of 408-165-15. He won 9 black college national championships. His first came in 1955 after his Grambling Tigers defeated Florida A&M 28-21 in the Orange Blossom Classic in Miami. Among the stars of that 1955 team included future Packers hall of fame defensive lineman Willie Davis. Altogether, Robinson coached in five Orange Blossom Classics against Florida A&M in 1955, 1964, 1967,1969 and 1978.
During a time of segregation, Robinson's Grambling teams were loaded with talent. At one point during the late 1960s to early 1970s, Grambling had produced more NFL players than any other school, including hall of famers Willie Davis, Willie Brown, Buck Buchanan and Charlie Joiner. Other notable players include James Harris, who was the first African American quarterback selected to the Pro Bowl and to win a playoff game. Doug Williams would become the first black quarterback to start and win a Super Bowl.

Integration killed us. There is zero doubt in my mind a few of the HBCUs would be in the top 5 rankings consistently. And would eventually be invited to play in the major bowls. None whatsoever.

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