Cornelius Greene, the former Ohio State All-American quarterback, was a guest on TheAfricanAmericanAthlete.com talk show with columnists Michael Roberson and Rickey Hampton of TheAfricanAmericanAthlete.com.
A native of Washington, D.C., where he attended Dunbar High School, Greene
became the first black quarterback to start at Ohio State as a sophomore in 1973. Greene enjoyed a brilliant career, going 31-3-1 as a starter over three seasons, capturing Big Ten and Rose Bowl titles, and never losing to Michigan.
Despite his productivity, Greene was not considered a pro prospect by the NFL. There were 15 quarterbacks taken ahead of him in the 1976 draft. Greene was drafted in the 11th round by the Dallas Cowboys, and asked to play wide receiver.
Greene talked about the journey of the black quarterback in football, legendary coach Woody Hayes and more. In addition, former Detroit Lions Vice-President Larry Lee, a Dayton, Ohio native, who grew up idolizing Greene checked in. Click the link below to hear the full interview.
You should also have a conversation with Reggie Oliver, who in 1970 was the QB at Marshall University the year after the school’s team was killed in the worst sports disaster in US history. Four of Reggie’s teammates from Druid High School in Tuscaloosa, AL perished. Because Freshmen couldn’t play at the time, he wasn’t on the plane. He was portrayed not so accurately in the movie “We Are Marshall.”
Reggie was also signed by the Dallas Cowboys as a QB, but was cut in favor of Danny White who could punt. If you’re interested in talking with him, you can contact me at Lawson3nDC@gmail.com and I will forward you contact info.
Anytime you want to talk let me know