George Taliaferro, halfback of University of Indiana, is shown in posed action in this undated photo. (Associated Press)

Buffalo Bills quarterback James Harris looks to pass in a 50-20 loss to the Los Angeles Rams on September 6, 1969 at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, California. (National Football League)

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Joe Gilliam (17) warms up prior to the Pittsburgh-Baltimore NFL game in Pittsburgh, on Sunday, afternoon, Sept. 15, 1974. Gilliam was set to start in the Steelers home opener, the first black quarterback to start a season opener at home. Former number one quarterback Terry Bradshaw, right, also warms up. (Associated Press)

Marlin Briscoe, (86) WR of St. Louis Cardinals in August 1975. (Associated Press)

Oakland Raiders vs. Kansas City Chiefs at Oakland Alameda County Coliseum Sunday, December 3, 1995. Chiefs beat Raiders 29-23. Oakland Raiders quarterback Vince Evans (11) runs away from Kansas City Chiefs defensive back Mark Collins (25). (AP Photo/Al Golub)

Michigan State quarterback Willie Thrower is shown on Oct. 1, 1951. Thrower, the first black quarterback to play in the Big Ten, helping Michigan State to a national championship in 1952, and the NFL's first black quarterback. (Associated Press)

Brown University halfback Fritz Pollard in 1916. (National Football League)