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Willis, Bill 1949

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@ Cleveland Public Library

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Pictured here in a football uniform, Bill Willis (1921–2007) played with the Cleveland Browns during his entire eight-year football career. The first four years were in the All-America Football Conference (1946-1949), during which time the Browns won four championships. Having been signed by the now-legendary coach Paul Brown, Willis and fullback Marion Motley were two of first four African-American professional football players to break the color barrier in 1946. After the AAFC disbanded, Willis played with the Browns in the National Football League for four more years (1950-1953), helping them win the NFL championship in 1950. The 6’2”, 210-lb. Willis made his mark as a defensive middle guard, excelling as both a pass rusher and coverage man, and serving as a model for the NFL’s modern-day linebacker position. His combination of speed, strength, and intelligence were reflected in his being named All-Pro eight times. He also made the Pro Bowl in three of his four seasons in the NFL, and was voted onto the NFL 1940s All-Decade Team. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1977.
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Cleveland Public Library

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Ohio Digital Network