Willie Thrower

1930–2002 (age 72)

Professional football player

Biography

Willie Thrower, born in 1930 in River Rouge, Michigan, broke barriers as the first African-American quarterback to take a snap for the Chicago Bears after starring at Michigan State, showing the nation that courage and skill walk hand in hand.

After his professional playing days he returned home to mentor young athletes, coaching in local leagues and encouraging students to pursue both education and integrity, many of whom now visit Greenwood Memorial Park to recall his steady leadership.

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