Making History Under Center

With perhaps the most fitting name for a quarterback ever, MSU’s Willie Thrower, ’54, became the Big Ten’s first Black QB in 1950. He went on to play three seasons in East Lansing under Coach “Biggie” Munn. Thrower was a talented passer. He completed 59 percent of his attempts in 1952, and was integral to the Spartans’ march to that season’s National Championship title.

Sept. 1950, a group of sophomore football players from Pennsylvania. L to R: Renaldo Kozikowski, Vincent Pisano, Richard Tamburo, Bill Horrell, #27 Willie Thrower and Line Coach Duffy Daugherty.

Oct. 1952. Thrower is second from the right. Others not identified.

Spartans in uniform, Sept. 1951. #78 Donald Coleman, #27 Willie Thrower, #16 Arthur Ingram, #39 Leroy Bolden.

Willie Thrower in action.

Less than a year later, on October 18, 1953, Thrower took the field for the Chicago Bears and became the first Black quarterback to play in the NFL.

Photos: Michigan State University Archives and Historical Collections