McConnell to Present his Book on Bobby Marshall to the Professional Football Researchers Association

This will take place at the Drury Plaza Hotel in St. Paul, MN on Saturday July 12, 2025.

At 3 pm on Saturday July 12, 2025, Terry McConnell will present his book, "Breaking Through the Line: Bobby Marshall, The N.F.L.'s First African American Player," to a meeting of the Professional Football Researchers Association. This will take place at the Drury Plaza Hotel, 175 10th St. East, St. Paul MN 55101.

McConnell's half hour presentation will feature a video about Marshall made by one of Marshall's descendants, Oliver Sims. This presentation will also feature McConnell's remembrances of his grandfather, O.C. Olsen, who managed Marshall's first pro football team in 1907, the Minneapolis Deans.

A little known fact about Marshall is that he is the first African American in the N.F.L., preceeding Fritz Pollard by one week in 1920. The N.F.L. was originally known as the American Professional Football Association and changed its name to the N.F.L. in 1922.

Another little known fact is that Marshall is the first African American coach in the Big Ten, joining the University of Minnesota football team in 1907 under head coach Doc Williams.

Marshall became the oldest starting player in N.F.L. history in 1925, playing left end for the Duluth Kelleys at the age of 45.

McConnell will end his presentation by singing and playing guitar, presenting the song he has written, "The Ballad of Bobby Marshall."

Posted: to General News on Thu, Jun 12, 2025
Updated: Fri, Jun 13, 2025