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George Taliaferro, IU Legend & First African-American Taken In NFL Draft, Dies At 91

By Indiana Public Media News Staff

Posted October 9, 2018

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George Taliaferro in 2008 in an interview with WTIU.

George Taliaferro, the first African American to be chosen in the NFL draft, has died at age 91. 

Before Taliaferro made history with the draft in 1948, he led Indiana University to its first Big Ten championship in 1945.

Taliaferro first played in high school in Gary, Indiana. In an era when many “gridders” played multiple positions, Taliaferro was a standout, recognized for his remarkable gifts as a running back, quarterback, kicker and defensive back. He led Indiana University to its first Big Ten championship in 1945 and earned All American honors from 1945-48.

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George Taliaferro (Courtesy IU Athletics)

Off the field, despite his football celebrity, Taliaferro experienced the full brunt of race bigotry and exclusion. Never one to meekly tolerate injustice, he spearheaded an effort to desegregate the IU Bloomington campus.

The George Taliaferro Sport Association launched at IU just last month. The group "works to maximize diversity and inclusion within all sports communities at Indiana University."

The “Jackie Robinson of Football,” Taliaferro’s remarkable success in the pro ranks changed the game forever, bringing speed, quickness and versatility and opening pro football to African American athletes hungry for a chance to succeed.

Taliaferro eventually returned to IU to serve as special assistant to then-IU President John Ryan, where he worked to open the doors of higher education to minorities. 

The City of Bloomington and Indiana University’s Bloomington campus will fly their flags at half-mast Wednesday, in honor of Taliaferro’s passing.​

WATCH: Indiana Legends: George Taliaferro

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