In 1898, a young Black visionary built a football program from nothing in a town that had never seen the game—and a brother who tried to follow his path paid the ultimate price.
From a dream born in 1898 to Hall of Fame honors in 2025 and 2026, their courage still echoes. Their story still speaks.

Just months after being inducted into the 2025 Ohio Sports Hall of Fame, my great-uncle Charles W. Follis — the first Black professional football player — has been officially announced as a 2026 Inductee into the National High School Football Hall of Fame.

➤ National Press Conference: December 3, 2025 – Brook Park, Ohio.
➤ Induction Ceremony: July 11, 2026 – Newly built HOF building in Cleveland.

His story defies belief — a vision so bold it reshaped what was possible in its time. In the late 1800s, an 18-year-old Black student in an all-white community petitioned the city, won over school officials, and founded Wooster High School’s first football team ever. He didn’t just create the program — he coached it, captained it, and led the team to back-to-back undefeated league champion seasons (8–0, 8–0), a feat almost unimaginable in the racial climate of the 1800s.

This recognition is also profoundly personal because it honors not only Charles, but also the tragic loss of his younger brother, Curtis Follis.

After Charles paved the way, Curtis carried his brother’s dream—joining the same team Charles created. But in an era filled with racial hatred, his life was cut short during his highschool football game— an attempt to prevent another Follis from becoming the second Black professional football player.

Charles had promised he would take the train from Cleveland between his pro games to see his brother play — but he never made it to a game as Curtis was mobbed during a play on the field that ended his young life.
Their story reminds us that every step forward in history often comes at a cost.

In July 2026, in front of the new National High School Football Hall of Fame, the faces of high school football history will stand tall — including a 9-foot statue of Charles W. Follis beside legends Jim Brown, Paul Brown, and Jim Thorpe — a permanent tribute to what vision, perseverance, and faith can achieve.

And trust me — this story’s just getting started.