Bill Nunn

September 30, 1924 – Pro Football Hall of Fame Scout/Contributor, Bill Nunn, was born.

Bill Nunn’s football accomplishments are defined not by touchdowns or tackles, but by his unparalleled genius for evaluating talent, especially from historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). Before joining the Pittsburgh Steelers, Nunn was a highly influential sportswriter and editor for the Pittsburgh Courier, one of the nation’s leading Black newspapers, where he championed overlooked athletes by compiling the annual Black College All-America Team starting in 1950. This role granted him access and insight into HBCU programs unmatched by any other scout in the NFL.

Nunn joined the Steelers organization in 1967 and became the Assistant Director of Player Personnel in 1970, helping to transform a perennial loser into the dominant dynasty of the 1970s. His scouting prowess directly led to the drafting or signing of numerous future Hall of Famers, including Mel Blount, John Stallworth, L.C. Greenwood, and undrafted free agent Donnie Shell, all of whom played key roles on the teams that won four Super Bowl titles in six years.

Nunn’s impact extended beyond the Steelers, as he paved the way for Black college players across the league at a time when they were largely overlooked. He became the first Black Contributor to be enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2021, a fitting tribute to a man who, by spotting talent where others didn’t, fundamentally changed the way the NFL operates and paved the way for generations of Black athletes. He earned an incredible six Super Bowl rings during his 46-year career with the franchise.