First African-American Picked In NFL Draft, George Taliaferro, Dies
George Taliaferro, who in 1949 became the first African-American player to be drafted by an NFL team, died Monday night at age 91. Taliaferro was a three-time All-American at Indiana and was drafted in the 13th round of the 1949 draft by the Chicago Bears.
In the NFL, Taliaferro played seven positions - quarterback, running back, wide receiver, punter, kick returner, punt returner and defensive back.
"I'm the one person in the history of the NFL to play seven positions," Taliaferro told The Undefeated. "When I went on the field, the game was over when I came off."
Our thoughts are with his family. Rest in peace.