John Mitchell and Wilbur Jackson already had their place in Alabama football history.
Now, the Crimson Tide's first Black players also share a prominent spot outside Bryant-Denny stadium.
“It was a moment I will never forget,” said Mitchell, who had become emotional when he spoke at the ceremony. “It was very touching. You grow up a little Black kid from south Alabama and these are things you never dream of. ”The introverted Jackson became the Tide’s first Black scholarship football player when he signed on Dec. 13, 1969. In 1971, defensive end Mitchell, a transfer from Eastern Arizona Junior College, became the first to play in a game.
“If somebody had told me when I was 18 or 19 years old, that 50 years later we would be here today being recognized for integration, I would never have believed it,” Jackson said. “And yet here we are.”Tide coach Nick Saban showed his team a video of Jackson and Mitchell last year, the 50th anniversary of Mitchell's first season on the field.
Back then, he roomed with white teammate Bobby Stanford, who remains a close friend and served in his wedding. Stanford made the trip to Tuscaloosa for the ceremony from Albany, Georgia.Earlier in the week, he recounted how Mitchell came to Bryant's attention in the first place. USC coach John McKay had mentioned to Bryant that the Mobile native was planning to come play for him. Bryant excused himself and called back to Tuscaloosa, ordering an assistant to track Mitchell down.
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Alabama honors Wilbur Jackson and John Mitchell, university's first Black football playersTUSCALOOSA — John Mitchell and Wilbur Jackson already had their place in Alabama football history. Now, the Crimson Tide's first Black players also share a prominent spot outside Bryant-Denny stadium.
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