Charles W. Follis was the first Black professional American football player. He played for the Shelby Blues of the “Ohio League” from 1902 through the 1906 season. On September 16, 1904, Follis signed a contract with Shelby, making him the first Black man contracted to play professional football on an integrated team. He was also the first Black catcher to move from college baseball into the Negro leagues.

During his athletic career, he played with baseball player, Branch Rickey, who would later on become the Brooklyn Dodgers’ president. Because of Follis’ spirit and power portrayed on the field that day, Rickey was inspired in 1947 to sign Jackie Robinson onto the Brooklyn Dodgers – an event that would never be forgotten. As an inspiration to breaking the barriers of race, Follis will be known as a catalyst for the Black movement, forever. Sadly, Follis was unable to see his historical inspiration play out, as his life was suddenly and tragically taken in 1910, at the young age of 31.