Charles Follis was the first of 17 blacks to play pre-and post NFL. Players like Fritz Pollard, and Paul Robeson carried the torch in the 1920s, but by the mid-1930s, those numbers dropped to zero. There was no excuse, but there were reasons. 
 
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href='https://megaphone.fm/adchoices'>megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

Charles Follis was the first of 17 blacks to play pre-and post NFL. Players like Fritz Pollard, and Paul Robeson carried the torch in the 1920s, but by the mid-1930s, those numbers dropped to zero. There was no excuse, but there were reasons. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Charles Follis was the first of 17 blacks to play pre-and post NFL. Players like Fritz Pollard, and Paul Robeson carried the torch in the 1920s, but by the mid-1930s, those numbers dropped to zero. There was no excuse, but there were reasons.&nbsp;
 
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices" rel="noopener noreferrer">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

The 17: The Ban

Presented by Belly Up Sports! Michael Neal Jr shares his love of NFL history by discussing stories, games, NFL draft, Super Bowls, team origins, and more!

Share The 17: The Ban

Sign up to save your podcasts

The 17: The Ban

The 17: The Ban