"Breaking Through the Line: Bobby Marshall, the N.F.L.’s First African American Player" to be Released Sept. 24
Two Book Release Events Planned: September 24 in Minneapolis MN, October 2 in Greenfield, MA

The book, "Breaking Through the Line, Bobby Marshall, the N.F.L.'s First African American Player" will be released on September 24, 2021.
This book, written by Terry McConnell, has been seven years in the making. It is being published by Nodin Press and can be purchased at Mjung@itascabooks.com or call 1-800-901-3480 ext. 118. Bobby Marshall is the Jackie Robinson of football- an amazing athlete who lived a life of dignity and integrity in a time of virulent racism. Marshall was a trained lawyer and a community leader in Minneapolis who mentored youth and fought for the rights of farmers at the Minnesota State Grain Commission. Marshall was not only an awesome football player, he was also an awesome baseball and ice hockey star.
Bobby Marshall was the first African American in the N.F.L., making All-Pro for the Rock Island Independents in 1920. Marshall made All-American for the University of Minnesota football team in 1905 and 1906. He is the first African American from the Big Ten to make All-American. He is also the first African American to coach in the Big Ten, coaching football at the University of Minnesota beginning in 1907.
In 2021 sportswriter Mark Craig of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune nominated Bobby Marshall for the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio.
The preface for "Breaking Through the Line..." was written by Mark Coyle, Athletic Director at the University of Minnesota.
Two book release events are scheduled. The first will be on Friday September 24, 2021 at the Coffman Memorial Union on the campus of the University of Minnesota, 300 Washington St. S.E., Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455 in Goldy's Game Room on the basement level from 2-4 pm Central Time.
Bobby Marshall's grandson, Bill Marshall, and his granddaughter Kathy Washington will be there at the Minneapolis event, as well as the author. The author will talk about the book and sing and perform the "The Ballad of Bobby Marshall." Pizza will be served. Copies of the book will be available for purchase.
The second book release event will take place in the Commuity Room of the Greenfield, MA YMCA, 451 Main St. Greenfield MA 01301 at 10 am Eastern Time on Saturday October 2, 2021. Other authors will be at this event, promoting their books
The author, Terry McConnell will be there to talk about the book and sing and perform "The Ballad of Bobby Marshall." Snacks will be served. Copies of the book will be avaialbe for purchase.
If you plan to come to the Minneapolis MN event please R.S.V.P. Nstill4402@aol.com
Masks will be required at the Minneapolis event except when drinikng or eating.
If you plan to come to the Greenfield MA event please R.S.V.P. Terry McConnell at runnerwithasthma@gmail.com or call at 413-834-9041.
Please consider donating to the Bobby Marshall Scholarship Fund at the University of Minnesota. Your donation will go towards scholarships for University of Minnesota student-athletes who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership and have financial need. The author will donate half of his royalties from "Breaking Through the Line..." to the Bobby Marshall Scholarship Fund. To contribute to this tax-deductible fund, make checks payable to the University of Minnesota Foundation, P.O. Box 860266, Minneapolis, MN 55486-0266 or at the University of Minnesota Foundation website. Search "Bobby Marshall" and then select the first item titled "Bobby Marshall Scholarship." The website will then direct you to make a gift to that fund.
I hope to see you at one of these events!
Terry McConnell
Posted: to General News on Sat, Sep 4, 2021
Updated: Tue, Sep 7, 2021
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"Breaking Through the Line: Bobby Marshall, the N.F.L.’s First African American Player" by Terry McConnell is now available.
"Breaking Through the Line: Bobby Marshall, the N.F.L.’s First African American Player" to be Released Sept. 24
Two Book Release Events Planned: September 24 in Minneapolis MN, October 2 in Greenfield, MA
Bobby Marshall Nominated For Pro Football Hall of Fame
Mark Craig, sportswriter for the Minneapolis Star-Tribune has nominated Bobby Marshall for the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio.
Watch the Bobby Marshall Video
This a video created by Bobby Marshall’s great grandson, Oliver Sims
Bobby Marshall Scholarship Created at the University of Minnesota
The Bobby Marshall Scholarship at the University of Minnesota has been established. Please donate!
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by JEFF LAJOIE Staff Writer, Greenfield Recorder