Bobby Grier
Sugar Bowl Hall of Fame
Pittsburgh
Sugar Bowl: 1956
Inducted: 2018
Bobby Grier made history as the first African-American to play in the Sugar Bowl Classic in 1956, the 22nd edition of the game. The star running back ran for a game-high 51 yards in a 7-0 loss to Georgia Tech. His participation in the Sugar Bowl, as well as the support he received from a range of groups, including the Sugar Bowl Committee, is considered a landmark in American race relations. Following his football career, he served in the Air Force for 11 years and then worked in education until his retirement. He remains one of the most-respected members of the Pittsburgh community.
