BQB-Site.com would like to congratulate the family of Willie Thrower, the first African American Quarterback in the NFL. Thrower was honored with the unveiling of the above bronze statue on September 28, 2006 at Valley High School in New Kensington, Pa.
September 2006
BQB-Site.com Editor Lloyd Vance was in New Kensington, Pa (Outside of Pittsburgh) to take part in the ceremonies to honor Willie Thrower. Lloyd presented the family with acknowledgements/gifts from Mitchell & Ness, Governor Ed Rendell, BQB-Site.com, and The Field Generals Organization. At the ceremony, Lloyd said "The Field Generals wanted to acknowledge Willie Thrower as the man whose shoulders they stood on as they made their way in the NFL."
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.
BQB-Site.com would like to thank Melvin Thrower, Willie Thrower Jr, Mary
Thrower, Jason Thrower, Will Varner, and other Willie Thrower Committee
Supporters for a great event.
You can read more about the event at (http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/valleynewsdispatch/s_472770.html---
Submitted by Lloyd Vance
