We celebrate Jackie Robinson for breaking the color barrier in baseball, however, Marion Motley broke the color barrier in football first, and unfortunately, many fans don’t recognize the talent and accomplishments of this unsung trailblazer. Motley was one of the remaining two way players, playing fullback on offense and linebacker on defense. He was so versatile that he could even return kicks, and block for the half backs.
In 1968, Motley became only the second African American elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio. David Lee Morgan Jr. brilliantly profiles his legendary career in “Breaking Through the Lines.” Motley and Bill Willis broke the color barrier in 1946 with the Cleveland Browns, while the Los Angeles Rams signed Woody Strode and Kenny Washington. These four players were successful in breaking the color line, finally ending the owner’s friendly agreement not to sign African American athletes.
Despite being a three sport stand out star in high school, Motley didn’t receive any collegiate offers to play football due to the color of his skin. After playing football at the University of Nevada, and serving in the Navy, mastermind Paul Brown signed him to become a Cleveland Brown. As documented by the author, Brown signed players based on their skills, not on their color. Simply put, the hall of fame coach wouldn’t tolerate racism, despite it being rampant in the 1940s and 50s.
Morgan Jr. details the racism and segregation the Motley’s had to endure, including the young family having to move from Georgia to Ohio. For all that he had to deal with, Motley became an inspiration to many. Some experts believe he might have been an overall better back than the great Jim Brown.
The author also outlines the quarrel Motley had with then Cleveland Browns owner Art Modell when seeking work as a coach. “Breaking Through the Lines” makes for a great companion to “The Forgotten First” by Keyshawn Johnson and Bob Glauber.
By: David Lee Morgan Jr.
Narrated by: Bill Andrew Quinn
Length: 4 hrs and 14 mins
Release date: 10-31-23
