02/13/2026
George Taliaferro (1927–2018) is celebrated as a pioneering figure in American sports, most famously for being the first African American athlete ever selected in an NFL Draft. Drafted in 1949 by the Chicago Bears in the 13th round, he broke a critical formal barrier in professional football.
Beyond this historic milestone, Taliaferro is honored for his extraordinary versatility on the field and his lifelong commitment to social justice and education.
Collegiate and Professional Achievements
Known for his versatility, Taliaferro is believed to be the only player in NFL history to play seven different positions.
Indiana University (IU) Legend: He led IU to an undefeated Big Ten Championship season in 1945 and was a three-time All-American. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1981.
NFL Trailblazer: After playing in the AAFC, he joined the NFL in 1950. He earned three consecutive Pro Bowl selections (1951–1953) and became the first Black player to start at quarterback in the post-color bar era in 1953.
Professional Statistics (NFL & AAFC)
Taliaferro played in 72 professional games, accumulating 2,266 rushing yards, 1,300 receiving yards, and 1,633 passing yards. He scored a total of 37 touchdowns and was selected to the Pro Bowl three times.
In the 1949 NFL Draft, Taliaferro was selected by the Chicago Bears in the 13th round (129th overall), breaking a barrier in a league that had long been slow to include Black athletes in its formal selection process. Although he chose to honor a contract with the Los Angeles Dons of the rival All-America Football Conference that year, his selection marked a historic first in NFL history — a moment that helped open doors for the generations of Black athletes who followed.
Before the pros, Taliaferro was already a force at Indiana University, starring in multiple positions, earning three All-American honors, and leading the Hoosiers to their only undefeated Big Ten season. In the NFL and the AAFC, he continued to showcase his versatility, playing halfback, quarterback, defensive back, receiver, punter, and returner over his professional career.
Beyond the gridiron, Taliaferro dedicated his life to education and community service — earning a master’s degree, supporting youth programs, and advocating for equality off the field.
Taliaferro passed away in 2018 at the age of 91, but his impact lives on every time players of all races take the field, every time the draft brings excitement and opportunity, and every Super Bowl weekend reminds us how far the game — and the country — has come.
I write and research stories like this, you can support my work:
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/AfricanArchives (I post blogs and book recommendations there)
