First Black Athletes to Enter Pro Leagues

These exceptional athletes were the first in their field to go pro.

Althea Gibson - In 1950, Althea Gibson became the first Black woman to play on the world tennis tour. After a successful career that included several Grand Slam titles, Gibson retired from tennis and took on the sport of golf. In 1964, Gibson was the first Black woman to join the Ladies Professional Golf Association tour.

1 / 7

Althea Gibson - In 1950, Althea Gibson became the first Black woman to play on the world tennis tour. After a successful career that included several Grand Slam titles, Gibson retired from tennis and took on the sport of golf. In 1964, Gibson was the first Black woman to join the Ladies Professional Golf Association tour.

Fritz Pollard - Not only was Fritz Pollard the first Black player in the NFL, he was also its first Black coach. In 1921, Pollard became co–head coach of the Akron Pros, yet he was still the team’s running back. Unfortunately by 1926, the NFL removed all nine Black players from the league.

2 / 7

Fritz Pollard - Not only was Fritz Pollard the first Black player in the NFL, he was also its first Black coach. In 1921, Pollard became co–head coach of the Akron Pros, yet he was still the team’s running back. Unfortunately by 1926, the NFL removed all nine Black players from the league.

Earl Lloyd - After a collegiate career at West Virginia State, Earl Lloyd was selected in the ninth round of the 1950 NBA draft by the Washington Capitols. Lloyd broke the NBA color line on Oct. 31, 1950, against the Rochester Royals. Three other Black players (Chuck Cooper, Nathaniel Clifton, Hank DeZonie) also played during the 1950–1951 season.

3 / 7

Earl Lloyd - After a collegiate career at West Virginia State, Earl Lloyd was selected in the ninth round of the 1950 NBA draft by the Washington Capitols. Lloyd broke the NBA color line on Oct. 31, 1950, against the Rochester Royals. Three other Black players (Chuck Cooper, Nathaniel Clifton, Hank DeZonie) also played during the 1950–1951 season.

Willie O'Ree - Known as the “Jackie Robinson of hockey,” Willie O’Ree was the first Black player in the National Hockey League. O’Ree made his debut with the Boston Bruins in 1958 after concealing an eye injury that left him 95 percent blind in his right eye. It wasn’t until 1974 that the NHL saw its second Black player.

4 / 7

Willie O'Ree - Known as the “Jackie Robinson of hockey,” Willie O’Ree was the first Black player in the National Hockey League. O’Ree made his debut with the Boston Bruins in 1958 after concealing an eye injury that left him 95 percent blind in his right eye. It wasn’t until 1974 that the NHL saw its second Black player.

Willie Thrower - Quarterback Willie Thrower was the first Black quarterback in the modern-era NFL, lining up under center for the Chicago Bears in 1953. Thrower appeared in just one game for the Bears, completing three passes for 27 yards.

5 / 7

Willie Thrower - Quarterback Willie Thrower was the first Black quarterback in the modern-era NFL, lining up under center for the Chicago Bears in 1953. Thrower appeared in just one game for the Bears, completing three passes for 27 yards.

ADVERTISEMENT
Jackie Robinson - Former Brooklyn Dodgers great Jackie Robinson not only was the first Black player in Major League Baseball during the modern era, he also paved the way for other athletes across the major professional sports. Robinson broke the color line in baseball on April 15, 1947.

6 / 7

Jackie Robinson - Former Brooklyn Dodgers great Jackie Robinson not only was the first Black player in Major League Baseball during the modern era, he also paved the way for other athletes across the major professional sports. Robinson broke the color line in baseball on April 15, 1947.

Wendell Scott - Race car driver Wendell Scott broke the color barrier in Southern stock-car racing on May 23, 1952, at the Danville Fairgrounds Speedway. Scott would go on to obtain his NASCAR racing license; he won his only race in 1964 at Speedway Park in Jacksonville, Fla.

7 / 7

Wendell Scott - Race car driver Wendell Scott broke the color barrier in Southern stock-car racing on May 23, 1952, at the Danville Fairgrounds Speedway. Scott would go on to obtain his NASCAR racing license; he won his only race in 1964 at Speedway Park in Jacksonville, Fla.