Hall of Fame Professional Football Player. Custis is widely credited as being the first black quarterback to play professional football, thus paving the way for future generations of star players in that highly-important on-field position. Born in Washington, D.C., he was raised in Philadelphia and attended John Bartram High School, where he distinguished himself in track. He played collegiate football at Syracuse University and became the first player to pass for 1,000 yards in one season (1949). By the end of his collegiate career, he held several school records. Selected by the Cleveland Browns during the 11th round of the 1951 NFL Draft, he was let go by the team after refusing to switch from the quarterback position to become a safety. He moved on to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the Canadian Football League and proceeded to forge a Hall of Fame career in that league. On August 29, 1951, Custis broke the color barrier when he started his first game as a professional quarterback with Hamilton. That year (1951), he achieved all star status. In 1953, he led Hamilton to the Grey Cup Title and the following year (1954), he earned all star honors a second time. He concluded his professional career with Ottawa Rough Riders in 1954. After retiring as a player, he remained in the sport and served as a coach in the Canadian Junior Football League. He was inducted into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame for his contributions as a builder in 1998.
Hall of Fame Professional Football Player. Custis is widely credited as being the first black quarterback to play professional football, thus paving the way for future generations of star players in that highly-important on-field position. Born in Washington, D.C., he was raised in Philadelphia and attended John Bartram High School, where he distinguished himself in track. He played collegiate football at Syracuse University and became the first player to pass for 1,000 yards in one season (1949). By the end of his collegiate career, he held several school records. Selected by the Cleveland Browns during the 11th round of the 1951 NFL Draft, he was let go by the team after refusing to switch from the quarterback position to become a safety. He moved on to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the Canadian Football League and proceeded to forge a Hall of Fame career in that league. On August 29, 1951, Custis broke the color barrier when he started his first game as a professional quarterback with Hamilton. That year (1951), he achieved all star status. In 1953, he led Hamilton to the Grey Cup Title and the following year (1954), he earned all star honors a second time. He concluded his professional career with Ottawa Rough Riders in 1954. After retiring as a player, he remained in the sport and served as a coach in the Canadian Junior Football League. He was inducted into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame for his contributions as a builder in 1998.
Bio by: C.S.
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