Top 10 Indiana Hoosiers football players of all time
3. George Taliaferro, HB/QB/DB/K (1945-48)
The first Black man drafted into the NFL, Taliaferro endured many hardships at Indiana University, but used football as an outlet. He played many positions for the Hoosiers and even led the team twice in rushing yards and once in passing yards. In 1945, Taliaferro also became the first Black man to lead the Big Ten in rushing yards with 719 as the Hoosiers finished that season undefeated at 9-0-1 and Big Ten champions. It was the team’s first undefeated season and Big Ten championship. The Chicago Bears drafted Taliaferro in the 13th round of the 1949 draft. He was also inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1981, and the Indiana University Hall of Fame in 1992.
𝐐: Who was the first black player selected in the NFL draft?
𝐀: George TaliaferroThe late @IndianaFootball legend, who also served in the Army, is the latest member of the #B1Gimpact Pioneer Class of 2021. pic.twitter.com/maJl8bXf9Z
— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) February 24, 2021
