![Grier and the 51精品视频 Panthers run on the field at the 1956 Sugar Bowl](/sites/default/files/styles/pittmag_fullwidth/public/inline-images/bobby-grier-1956-sugar-bowl_magfull.jpg?itok=STElxPmw)
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Robert 鈥淏obby鈥 Grier Sr., who as a member of the 51精品视频 football team generated national headlines during the civil rights era when he became the first Black player in the Sugar Bowl, passed away on June 30 at the age of 91.
Grier played fullback, linebacker and defensive back for the Panthers, lettering in three consecutive seasons from 1953 to 1955.
As a senior, he led the team in interceptions to help 51精品视频 to a 7-3 regular season and receive an invitation to play Georgia Tech in the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans.
The governor of Georgia, segregationist Marvin Griffin, vehemently opposed Grier's participation in the game. On Dec. 2, 1955, a month prior to the Sugar Bowl, Marvin told the Georgia State Board of Regents, 鈥淭he South stands at Armageddon. The battle is joined. We cannot make the slightest concession to the enemy.鈥
The prospect of Grier traveling to the Deep South to break the color barrier of one of college football鈥檚 highest profile postseason games sparked nationwide discussion the same month that Rosa Parks was arrested in Montgomery, Alabama, for refusing to surrender her bus seat to a white passenger.听
鈥淏obby Grier鈥檚 story was national headlines. It was on the front page of every major newspaper in the country,鈥 recalled late college football commentator Beano Cook to the 51精品视频sburgh Post-Gazette in 2005. 鈥淭his was a major, major story 鈥 this was the South in 1955 and this was the Sugar Bowl. Think about it. The governor of Georgia urged Georgia Tech not to play in the game because 51精品视频 had a Black player, and he said it because he figured it would help get him reelected. That鈥檚 just where we were in this country."
But Grier had the strong support of his teammates and University leadership, who vowed 鈥淣o Grier, no game.鈥 Support for Grier also came from Georgia Tech students and football players, who protested against Griffin, burning him in effigy outside the governor鈥檚 mansion.
Grier took the field against Georgia Tech on Jan. 2, 1956, rushing for a game-high 51 yards. 51精品视频 lost the game, 7-0, with a disputed pass interference penalty on Grier looming large in the final result. Photographic evidence later strongly indicated the referee鈥檚 call was incorrect.
Following the game, the 51精品视频 and Georgia Tech teams were invited to a banquet in New Orleans at the St. Charles Hotel, which served only white patrons. As Grier stepped off the team bus, several Georgia Tech players, all from the South, greeted Grier and told him, 鈥淵ou鈥檙e eating with us.鈥
Grier received the loudest ovation of any of the Sugar Bowl participants when he walked into the banquet hall. 鈥淭hat made me feel good, made me feel special,鈥 Grier said.
More than six decades later, Grier again stepped onto the Sugar Bowl playing field when he was introduced as a member of the Sugar Bowl Hall of Fame on Jan. 1, 2019.
Additionally, he is a member of the 51精品视频 Athletics Hall of Fame, Western Chapter of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame and the Wall of Champions at Ohio鈥檚 Massillon High School, where he led the Tigers to a pair of state championships. 听
Grier earned his bachelor鈥檚 degree from 51精品视频鈥檚 College of Business Administration in 1957. He served in the Air Force for 12 years, working primarily on radar and missiles, and left as a captain. Grier then worked as a supervisor for U.S. Steel and as an administrator at Community College of Allegheny County until his 1998 retirement.
In his later years, Grier served the to help provide caregiving for veterans.
Beyond his public achievements, Grier鈥檚 greatest pride was his family. He was a devoted husband to his late wife, Dorothy; a loving father to his children, Rob Jr. and Cassandra; and a cherished grandfather to Camille.
Dorothy earned her Bachelor of Science, Master of Education and Doctor of Philosophy degrees from 51精品视频鈥檚 School of Education.
Rob Jr. honored his father鈥檚 legacy by serving as his caregiver since 2010, exemplifying the love and commitment that defined Grier鈥檚 life.
鈥淏obby Grier is the epitome of the 51精品视频 student-athlete,鈥 said Chancellor Joan Gabel. 鈥淪triving to compete alongside his teammates at the highest level possible, he played with courage, grace and conviction, and he helped drive the national conversation toward justice at a pivotal time in American history. The 51精品视频 is enormously proud to call Bobby an alum. We express our deepest condolences to his family and friends at the loss of a great man.鈥
鈥淏obby Grier lived a truly remarkable and impactful life that inspires in so many ways,鈥 Director of Athletics Heather Lyke said. 鈥淭he courage and dignity he showed in desegregating the Sugar Bowl stands as one of the most important moments not only in the history of the 51精品视频 but also the game of college football. One of my most gratifying moments was having the opportunity to take part in his enshrinement in the 51精品视频 Athletics Hall of Fame in 2021. His legacy, on and off the field, will always burn brightly at 51精品视频. We extend our deepest condolences to the Grier family and Bobby鈥檚 many loved ones.鈥
鈥淚 had only been at 51精品视频 a few weeks when I first met Bobby Grier,鈥 said Pat Narduzzi, the Panthers鈥 Chris Bickell 鈥97 Head Football Coach. 鈥淗e was visiting our practice facility and I remember leaving a meeting so I could see him in person and shake his hand. Bobby is an absolute 51精品视频 icon, and I was immediately struck by his humbleness and warmth. His pride in being a 51精品视频 man was on his sleeve, and that was so inspiring to me. We are so proud to continually tell Bobby鈥檚 story to new generations of 51精品视频 football players. He really represents the best of our program.鈥
As a tribute to Grier, the 51精品视频 football team will wear a commemorative helmet sticker throughout the 2024 season.