The legendary names and stories in this compilation are amazing for anyone who loves the history of Penn State football. To honor Black History Month, the program has been sending out tweets the past couple of weeks recognizing its history of remarkable Black players and their stories.
It’s incredible and sad that a Black head coach has never won the national championship in college football. James Franklin has spoken openly about his goal of becoming the first Black coach to win the title, and he could have such an opportunity in the coming years at Penn State.
There is so much history below. Enjoy reading about these PSU legends and watching videos detailing some great stories.
Wally Triplett broke barriers in 1945 as the first African American starter for Penn State Football.#BlackHistoryMonth#WeAre pic.twitter.com/KSv0Ha3vER
— Penn State Football (@PennStateFball) February 15, 2021
The two-sport star was a trailblazer of his time.#BlackHistoryMonth #WeAre pic.twitter.com/Hk4Fnn2QJh
— Penn State Football (@PennStateFball) February 27, 2021
A true Penn State legend. @FrancoHarrisHOF#BlackHistoryMonth #WeAre pic.twitter.com/HyXveKqrfb
— Penn State Football (@PennStateFball) February 27, 2021
Thankful for our Head Coach. @CoachJFranklin #BlackHistoryMonth #WeAre pic.twitter.com/z8KrJXKxMU
— Penn State Football (@PennStateFball) February 26, 2021
Work ethic & leadership are two traits @_KeatonEllis aims to emulate to carry on his grandfather's legacy.
🗣️: Keaton Ellis, Cornerback#BlackHistoryMonth #WeAre pic.twitter.com/A1YMzDxDda
— Penn State Football (@PennStateFball) February 27, 2021
.@CoachTerryPSU's father, Harvey Smith Sr., was the first in his family to graduate college.
"He set a standard for us that education is important. He gave us an opportunity to change our lives."
🗣️: Terry M. Smith, Associate Head Coach/Cornerbacks#BlackHistoryMonth #WeAre pic.twitter.com/F56iSA0lGI
— Penn State Football (@PennStateFball) February 23, 2021
"When I was younger, [my great grandfather] gave me the idea that anything was possible…" @DBarnes_18
🗣️: Deion Barnes, Graduate Assistant & Letterman#BlackHistoryMonth #WeAre pic.twitter.com/nR0F3CXHd4
— Penn State Football (@PennStateFball) February 26, 2021
A man of many talents 🎭🎤🏈#BlackHistoryMonth #WeAre pic.twitter.com/1MySzsGmhs
— Penn State Football (@PennStateFball) February 24, 2021
Penn State Running Back (1969-71), All-American, College Football Hall of Famer#BlackHistoryMonth #WeAre pic.twitter.com/S4YVSp0Cs4
— Penn State Football (@PennStateFball) February 24, 2021
The first African American student to hold the distinguished position with the @PSUBlueBand 💂#BlackHistoryMonth #WeAre pic.twitter.com/rCnnkQwE4e
— Penn State Football (@PennStateFball) February 23, 2021
Two-time All-American, Lenny Moore 👏#BlackHistoryMonth #WeAre pic.twitter.com/Qu2yCqt8X4
— Penn State Football (@PennStateFball) February 23, 2021
A lifetime of achievements.#BlackHistoryMonth #WeAre pic.twitter.com/0ToX37aNa7
— Penn State Football (@PennStateFball) February 22, 2021
An awesome story on the rise of Randy Smith, who went on to play in 906 consecutive #NBA games to establish an iron man record that lasted more than a decade. 🎥⬇️
🗣️: Terrell Smith, Recruiting Coord. for Personnel & Recruitment (@da_real_Smitty)#BlackHistoryMonth#WeAre pic.twitter.com/nsN9r1MkDJ
— Penn State Football (@PennStateFball) February 21, 2021
Then & now… Bob White continues to make his impact.#BlackHistoryMonth #WeAre pic.twitter.com/xLPHMd2sOQ
— Penn State Football (@PennStateFball) February 17, 2021
Today, we honor Dave Robinson & all he achieved over his playing career.#BlackHistoryMonth #WeAre pic.twitter.com/o3ROgkF3fc
— Penn State Football (@PennStateFball) February 17, 2021
Click for more Nittany Sports Now coverage
