BY: Cheryl Smith
In the early 1990s, busloads of fans/family members traveled from Tampa, Plant City, Lakeland, and several other surrounding areas in the state of Florida.
They planned for the road trip not to see their niece or beloved cousin.Nope, they were coming to see their man, hailing from Zachary, Louisiana, and one of Grambling State University’s (GSU) proudest “sons,” Doug Williams.
A quarterback on the popular Tampa Bay Buccaneers team, he held a special place in my family members’ hearts as they made their way to witness Tampa hopefully defeat “America’s Team,” the Dallas Cowboys.
For the rest of his career, they travelled to see and support him.
Although that was last century, many are rooting for him once again.
Now Mr. Williams has an opportunity to make it into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Announced last week, he joined four others as a contender in the contributor category.
The first Black quarterback to start, win, and become the MVP of a Super Bowl, Mr. Williams is listed with New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, former Chicago Bears principal owner Virginia McCaskey, former Canton Bulldogs owner Ralph Hay, and former NFL player and executive John Wooten.
When I first heard the news from HBCUsports.com, I was elated! I then reached out to the pro football executive and former coach. He was measured in his responses, humble and calm because many times I called to tell him how wonderful Florida A&M is, and he would humor me and let me brag!
But this time, this call, I just wanted him to know how proud I am and that I was rooting for this victory-one that would be celebrated by so many.
You see, I have always felt that Mr. Williams deserved so much more than he received. He knows the game; he’s methodical, focused, committed, and he is very articulate, well-prepared, and engaging. He is definitely knowledgeable when discussing the game he loves so much.
His candor, however, may have been a little too much for the “powers” that be — just think of Paul Robeson, Muhammad Ali, and, most recently Colin Kaepernick.
Fortunately for him and those who care about him, he enjoyed his ride.
And what a ride.
In addition to excelling on the gridiron, Mr. Williams, along with another GSU alum and former NFLer, Shack Harris, established a foundation that supports after-school initiatives, mentoring, and providing access to higher education for economically disadvantaged youth.
They also established the Black College Football Hall of Fame, awarding more than $100,000 in scholarships, fellowships, and grants, and he has coached and mentored thousands over his lifetime and career.
Additionally, many may be unaware of the establishment of other foundations and the Doug Williams Center for the Study of Race & Politics in Sports at Grambling State University.
After retiring as a player, he coached football and had several executive positions leading to his current position as the senior advisor to Washington Commanders General Manager Adam Peters.
His stats are for the record books, and the 28 who are voting for the prestigious honor.
That the decision will be made on November 17, and 17 was Mr. Williams’s number when he played for Washington; well, I hope it’s a sign.
Stay tuned.
I’m rooting for Doug!
For history, for the culture.
