George Taliaferro, who played for IU football as a halfback, quarterback, punter and defensive back from 1945 to 1948, died Monday at the age of 91.
The Gary, Indiana, native was best known for being the first black player to be drafted into the NFL when he was taken in the 13th round of the 1949 draft by the Chicago Bears.
"He was a true trailblazer in every sense of the word and an individual of the greatest integrity, whose impact will be forever felt at IU and throughout the Hoosier state," IU President Michael McRobbie said in a press release.
During his time with the Hoosiers, Taliaferro was a three-time All-American in 1945, 1947 and 1948 and led IU to its only undefeated Big Ten Conference championship in 1945.
He was named IU’s MVP in 1948, was First Team All-Big Ten in 1945 and 1948, and led IU in rushing in 1945 and 1948, in passing in 1948 and in punting in 1945, 1947 and 1948.
Taliaferro also had a successful professional career in which he played for the Los Angeles Dons of the All-America Football Conference and in the NFL for the New York Yanks, Dallas Texans, Baltimore Colts and Philadelphia Eagles. He was a three-time pro-bowler in 1951, 1952 and 1953 and recorded 2,266 rushing yards along with 15 total touchdowns during his time in the league.
Despite his many notable accomplishments on the field, Taliaferro will be remembered as a pioneer in breaking down the race barrier in American sports, playing at IU two years before Jackie Robinson became the first black professional baseball player.
"Such a classy person," IU Coach Tom Allen said during his Big Ten Football Coaches media teleconference appearance Tuesday. "He just exuded class and grace. To be able to break the barriers he broke through during that time in our country's history was an unbelievable thing."
After his playing career, Taliaferro returned to Bloomington and served as a special assistant to then-IU president John Ryan and was put in charge of starting affirmative action programs for the University. He earned his bachelor’s degree in physical education from IU in 1951.
"As a student-athlete at IU — at a time when segregation was prevalent across our state and nation and in the face of tremendous obstacles — he fought to integrate our classrooms, cafeterias, movie theaters and restaurants," McRobbie said in the release.
Taliaferro also served as dean of students at Morgan State, chancellor and dean of the School of Social Work at IUPUI and was a founder of IU’s Neal-Marshall Alumni Club.
"George's association with Indiana University has always made me even prouder to be a part of this institution," IU Athletic Director Fred Glass said in an IU Athletics release. "Simply put, he was a great man and will be greatly missed."
McRobbie has directed that all flags on campus be lowered to half-staff until Sunday.
Additionally, instead of the normal logo on the side of the IU football team's helmets, the number 44, Taliaferro's number, will be worn as a helmet decal for Saturday's homecoming game against Iowa.
Saturday's game program will also feature Taliaferro on the cover and a special tribute video will be played in his honor before the game. A moment of silence in his memory will also occur before kickoff.
