BQB-Site.com would like to congratulate the family of Willie Thrower, the first African American Quarterback in the NFL. Thrower will honored with the unveiling of a bronze statue of his likeness on September 28, 2006 @ 7 PM at Valley High School in New Kensington, Pa.
September 2006
BQB-Site.com Editor Lloyd Vance will be in New Kensington, Pa (Outside of Pittsburgh) to take part in the ceremonies to honor Willie Thrower. Lloyd will be presenting the family with acknowledgements/gifts from Mitchell & Ness, Governor Ed Rendell, BQB-Site.com, and The Field Generals Organization.
Willie Thrower cemented his place in NFL history on October 18,
1953 when he entered the game at the quarterback position for the Chicago Bears
against the San Francisco 49ers. Though the Bears lost 35-27 in a close game,
Willie “The Jackie Robinson of the NFL” showed leadership, courage, and
persistence in pursuit of his dream of playing quarterback in the NFL. Recently
Warren Moon, a 2006 Hall of Fame inductee, credited Willie Thrower as one of the
trailblazers whose path he followed. Mr. Thrower started a legacy that continues
today with over 20 African American Quarterbacks currently playing in the NFL.
Willie Thrower passed away in 2002 without getting much of the recognition that
he deserved for fighting for racial equality in professional sports. The Thrower
Family formed the “Willie Thrower All-Pro
Memorial Committee” in 2003 to raise awareness of Willie’s accomplishments
and to continue his work of helping others in the community. The Committee and
New Kensington community have raised funds for the statue, scholarships for
local high school students, and assistance for senior citizens in Western
Pennsylvania.
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Submitted by Lloyd Vance
