Football Daily

Bill Willis wasn't just a football great; he was a pioneer. Here's a look at his accomplishments:

-Dominant Defensive Player (1946-1953):

-Played for the Cleveland Browns (AAFC & NFL) for eight seasons, establishing himself as a defensive force.

-Known for his quickness, strength, and relentless pursuit despite being undersized for a lineman (6'2", 213 lbs).

-Earned All-Pro honors seven times and played in three NFL Pro Bowls, a testament to his dominance.

-Anchored the Browns' defense during their championship run, winning four AAFC titles and the 1950 NFL championship.

-Breaking Racial Barriers:

-Teammates Marion Motley and Willis became the first African Americans to play for a pro football team in a televised game (1946) – a pivotal moment in breaking the color barrier.

-Despite facing racial taunts, Willis refused to retaliate, understanding the importance of setting a positive example for future generations.

-Post-Playing Career:

-Devoted himself to helping troubled youth, serving as Cleveland's assistant recreation commissioner and later becoming the chairman of the Ohio Youth Commission.

-His work in youth development earned him recognition and respect beyond the football field.

-Legacy:

-Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1977, solidifying his place among football's legends.

-Remembered for his on-field dominance, his role in desegregating professional football, and his dedication to youth mentorship.

Born October 5, 1921 - Bill Willis was a tackle from Ohio State University who also played on the early Cleveland Browns teams in the AAFC and NFL.

He was gifted with the quickness, size and strength to become a very formidable blocker in the Buckeye offense during his playing days at the school. This superstar of the gridiron ended up in the Hall of Fame for his great play.

From Packers.com, the official website of the Green Bay Packers the life bio of Clarke Hinkle.

Born April 10, 1909, in Toronto, Ohio, was the stud fullback of 1929 to 1931 from Bucknell University, Clarke Hinkle arrived into this life. The FootballFoundation.org bio on Clarke states that he might just be the best player to ever suit up for Bucknell. Hinkle was blessed with great foot speed and mobility which gave him excellent range, both on offense and the defensive side of the ball. He was nicknamed the "Lackawanna Express," as he first achieved fame and notoriety in 1929, his sophomore season, when he led the East in scoring with 128 points.

He got better the more he played too as Clarke led Bucknell to an undefeated season in 1931. Clarke Hinkle’s collegiate football records are celebrated in the College Football Hall of Fame after his induction in 1971. Hinkle joined the Green Bay Packers in 1932 and he was the answer to counter the Bears Bronko Nagurski, as the two battled head to head on many occasions. Bronko was the big powerful runner of the era but the stout Hinkle, who was 30 pounds lighter, was determined to hold his own with anyone on an NFL gridiron. Clark's moto was "get to the Bronk before he gets to me," a tactic he used to perfection one day in 1934. Trapped on the sidelines by Nagurski, Clarke escaped his tackle by driving directly into and over him. The Bears' superstar was helped from the field with a broken nose and a fractured rib.

The Pro Football Hall of Fame says that during his 10 years with the Green Bay Packers, Hinkle was named first- or second-team all-league each year! In 1964 Clarke Hinkle was enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.