During the ESPN First Take live stream at Savannah State University, Shannon Sharpe listed the greatest HBCU players to ever play in the NFL.
Monday, Shannon Sharpe returned to his alma mater Savannah State University for the start of First Take’s HBCU reunion tour. The morning talk show broadcast live from Tiger Arena on campus, covering several aspects of Shape’s time at the HBCU as well as the program’s regular sports topics.
Sharpe took over “Stephen’s A-List” segment classify them the greatest NFL players who are alumni of HBCUs. Below is his list and some additional information about them.
Doug Williams
Legendary Grambling State University quarterback Doug Williams was Sharpe’s first selection on his list. Williams played under legendary coach Eddie Robinson and was incredibly effective for the SWAC Tigers. Williams was selected with the 17th pick in the 1978 NFL Draft by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
In Super Bowl XXII, he made history by becoming the first African-American quarterback to start and win a Super Bowl, throwing four touchdown passes in a single quarter, a feat still unmatched. This outstanding performance earned him the Super Bowl MVP award, further cementing his legacy in the NFL.
Art shell
Shannon’s next selection was Art Shell who played for Maryland State University (now named University of Maryland Eastern Shore). Shell was an offensive tackle and was drafted with the 80th pick in the 1968 NFL Draft by the Oakland Raiders. Shell had an illustrious NFL career that spanned 15 seasons. His superior skills in quarterback protection, blocking and unmatched physicality were instrumental in getting the Raiders to two Super Bowl victories.
Shell was an eight-time Pro Bowl selection and a two-time first-team All-Pro selection. He also made history and broke barriers when he was named head coach of the Raiders in 1989, becoming the second African-American head coach in professional football history and the first in the modern era of the sport.
He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1989.
Mel Blount
Sharpe’s next selection was Mel Blount who played for Southern University.
Mel Blount was a phenomenal cornerback, showcasing his skills at Southern University before making a name for himself with the Pittsburgh Steelers in the NFL. Blount was selected with the 53rd pick in the 1970 NFL Draft and played a central role on the Steeler defense.
Blount revolutionized the cornerback position, making him a determining factor in the team’s defensive strategy. He was an integral part of the Steelers’ “Steel Curtain” defense and his intimidating style of play led the NFL to create the “Mel Blount Rule”, which limited contact by a defensive player against a receiver.
His NFL career spanned 14 seasons, all with the Steelers, during which he was selected to five Pro Bowls and was a two-time first-team All-Pro. Blount’s incredible defensive prowess was crucial to the Steelers’ four Super Bowl victories during the 1970s.
He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1989.
Walter Payton
No list of the greatest HBCU NFL players would be complete without the inclusion of Walter Payton, and Sharpe chose him next on his list. Payton was a Jackson State great, playing on the legendary 1974 Jackson State team that included Robert Brazile and Jackie Slater. The Tigers’ big three went on to phenomenal NFL careers and were inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Payton was selected by the Chicago Bears with the 4th pick in the 1975 NFL Draft. During his 13-season career, Payton became one of the most productive running backs in NFL history. NFL, amassing an impressive 16,726 rushing yards, a record that stood for nearly two decades.
Payton was instrumental in the Bear’s victory in Super Bowl XX, cementing his legacy as a winner and all-time great. Payton was also known for his durability, missing only one game in his entire career. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1993.
Jerry Rice
Sharpe’s final selection was the incomparable Jerry Rice of Mississippi Valley State University. While with the Delta Devils, Rice helped introduce a pass-intensive air raid style offense to modern football via the “Satellite Express”. His exceptional play allowed him to be drafted 16th overall by the San Francisco 49ers.
Rice’s NFL career, which spanned more than 20 years, cemented his place as one of the greatest players in NFL history. As a 49er, he played a key role in the team’s three Super Bowl victories in 1988, 1989 and 1994. He was recognized as the Super Bowl MVP in 1989.
Rice set numerous records during his career, including most career receptions (1,549), most career touchdown receptions (197), and most career receiving yards (22,895), all of which are still valid today.
Even 18 years after his retirement in 2005, Rice is considered the best wide receiver to ever play in the NFL and many consider him the best NFL player of all time.
First Take is headed to Winston-Salem State University, the alma mater of Stephen A. Smith. The live campus broadcast will air at 10 a.m. EST/9 a.m. CST on ESPN.
