Third and Long: The History of African Americans in Pro Football

Video

Browse through our gallery of videos to see selected clips from the "Third and Long" Project.

Breaking the Pro Football Color Barrier
The video highlights the breaking of the pro football color barrier by the NFL\'s Los Angeles Rams and the AAFC\'s Cleveland Browns. This TAL video is included as a part of the Pro Football HOF\'s traveling exhibit.
Slow Advancement 1950s
With college football representing the best avenue to play professionally, Black players faced challenges due to limits on where they could play in college. This TAL video is a part of the Pro Football HOF\'s traveling exhibit.
Early African American Pros
This video highlights the early African American pioneers in the sport including Fritz Pollard, Paul Robeson and Duke Slater. This TAL video is part of the Pro Football HOF's traveling exhibit.
AFL - New Opportunity
This video highlights the opportunities that the American Football League (AFL) provided to Black players. The video is currently included in the Pro Football HOF travelling exhibit.
St. Louis Rams "Third and Long" screening
This video contains highlights from a March 2 screening of "Third and Long" hosted by the St. Louis Rams. 600 students from 21 area schools attended the event.
Kenny Washington and Woody Strode
Exploration of the first two Black players to integrate the Los Angeles Rams - Kenny Washington and Woody Strode
"Third and Long" graphic opening
Check out the "Third and Long" unque graphic opening segment
Bobby Mitchell
This video highlighting Bobby Mitchell was edited by Howard University students Talana Lattimer, Chris Brown and Jameela Axell.
Deacon Jones
This video highlighting Deacon Jones was edited by Howard University students Talana Lattimer, Chris Brown and Jameela Axell.
Third and Long trailer
View the original marketing trailer created to promote "Third and Long"
Doug Williams
Doug Williams heroics in Super Bowl XXII
Experiences In The NFL
Players describe their personal experiences playing pro football
MLK and RFK
Societal impact of the assassinations of Martin Luther King and Bobby Kennedy
LA Rams
The Beginning
Origins of the ban on Black players in the sport of pro football
Jim Brown
Draft Day
Fearsome Foursome
Fearsome Foursome
You Can't Play There
Explanation of the segregtional practive known as "stacking"
Penn State
Brady Keys
Brady Keys
World War II