2022 Countdown to IUFB Kickoff: 44 Days (George Taliaferro)

Written by Matt Smith

Welcome to the 2022 edition of the Hoosier Huddle Countdown! We are now officially underway as we countdown from 100 to the beginning of the 2022 Indiana University football season. Each day, we will take a look at one (or two) players on the current roster and highlight the players' role in the upcoming season. Number 44 on the list is Hoosier legend George Taliaferro.

Name: George Taliaferro

Birthplace: Gates, Tennessee 

Position: Running Back

Height/Weight: 5’11’’/ 196 lbs

George Taliaferro is a legend at Indiana for so many reasons, but the biggest and most powerful reason is that he was the first African American football player drafted into the NFL. He had to break the color barrier two years before Jackie Robinson did for the Dodgers.  He wasn’t allowed in the same dorm as the other athletes and his presence on the field wasn’t always appreciated by all of the fans.

In 1945, during his freshman year he was the leading rusher and an all American that led the Hoosiers to their only undefeated big ten championship. Taliaferro was a swiss army knife for the Hoosiers as he played running back, quarterback, defensive back, as well as kicker. 

He was the first African American to lead the big ten in rushing. He led the Hoosiers in rushing for two reasons and passing during the 1948 season. He was inducted into the college football hall of fame in 1981.

In 1949, Taliaferro was selected in the 13th round of the NFL Draft by the Chicago Bears, becoming the first African American player drafted into the NFL. In the NFL, he was a three-time Pro Bowler.

IU dedicated the George Taliaferro Plaza and statue outside the north end zone of Memorial Stadium in November 2019. His daughters served as honorary captains and the team wore No. 44 on their helmets in his honor during that week’s game against Northwestern.

The Big Ten announced last year a fellowship named after him. The fellowship will provide opportunities for individuals in historically marginalized groups to obtain access to conference leadership positions, including in the Office of the Commissioner.