Born on March 12, 1880, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Robert Wells "Bobby" Marshall stands as a towering figure in the early history of American football, a pioneer whose contributions resonate far beyond the record books. He remains a significant college and professional star, though his story is often overlooked.
Marshall may well be one of the most significant college and professional gridiron stars that most people do not recall.
-College Career
Marshall's college career at the University of Minnesota was spectacular from 1904 to 1906. As a stalwart end, he anchored a Golden Gophers team that dominated the gridiron. During his three seasons, Minnesota compiled an impressive record of 13-0, 10-1, and 4-1, outscoring opponents by a staggering 1238-63. Marshall was the first African American to play football in the Western Conference, later known as the Big Ten.
Bobby earned Walter Camp All-America honors in 1905. In 1906, he played a pivotal role in Minnesota's victory over the University of Chicago, kicking the decisive field goal in a 4-2 upset. Notably, Marshall broke racial barriers, becoming the first African American to play football in the Big Nine, which later became the Big Ten.
-Road to the Pro Game
Marshall's road to the professional game was as unique as his college career. Bobby graduated in 1907 and played with Minneapolis pro teams, the Deans and the Marines.
Bobby Marshall's post-collegiate football career was a tapestry of independent and early professional teams. In 1912, he debuted with the Minnesota All-Stars, a team of former Gophers who played annual Thanksgiving Day games, continuing with them in 1920, 1921, and 1925.
From 1913 to 1917, early 1919, and again in 1927, Marshall anchored the Minneapolis Marines, becoming the first player with significant college experience to join the pre-NFL squad. During this period, he also managed and played for various teams, including Bobby Marshall's All-Stars, the Minneapolis Beavers, and the White Fronts, and played as a ringer for West Duluth and the Davenport Athletics.
Following World War I, he joined former Marines teammates on the Rock Island Independents, contributing to their self-proclaimed 1919 national championship. On September 26, 1920, Marshall was the first African American to play in an American Professional Football Association (NFL) game, as Rock Island faced the St. Paul Ideals. Due to the inclusion of non-league games in the 1920 standings, his appearance can be seen as participating in the NFL's inaugural game.
On September 26, 1920, he played both ways at end for the Rock Island Independents in the league's inaugural game, a 48-0 victory over the St. Paul Ideals. A week later, he played in one of the first two games between APFA teams, where the Independents defeated the Muncie Flyers 45-0.
-Football Legacy
Marshall's football legacy is one of both athletic prowess and racial pioneering. He played a crucial role in the early development of professional football, and alongside Fritz Pollard, he helped pave the way for future generations of African American athletes. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1971. His courage and talent broke down barriers and his story is a vital part of football history. He and Pollard were the only Black players in the league that year, and only eleven more would play between 1921 and 1933, before an unwritten “gentleman’s agreement” barred black players from the league until 1946.
