America's Trailblazing Middle Linebacker: The Story of NFL Hall of Famer Willie Lanier

Author: Zagorski, JoeBrand: Rowman & Littlefield PublishersEdition: IllustratedBinding: HardcoverFormat: IllustratedNumber Of Pages: 280Release Date: 12-02-2020Details: Product Description Willie Lanier was the first African-American middle linebacker in pro football history, playing for the Kansas City Chiefs from 1967-1977 in an era when discrimination against black athletes was still very much the norm. Lanier gave football fans a new mold of athlete, comprised of equal amounts intelligence, creativity, individualism, and collaboration. America's Trailblazing Middle Linebacker: The Story of NFL Hall of Famer Willie Lanier explores the life and times of this groundbreaking football star. A walk-on at Morgan State University in Baltimore, Maryland, Lanier established himself as a force on the field. Drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in 1967, Lanier fought his way to the starting middle linebacker position and became a Super Bowl champion, an eight time All-Pro, and the NFL’s