Marion Motley was born on June 5, 1920, in Leesburg, Georgia. His family moved to Canton, Ohio, when he was three. Motley played football in high school and college. He served in the Navy during World War II. After the war, he joined the Cleveland Browns in 1946. Motley was one of the first African-American players in modern professional football. He played fullback and linebacker. He was known for strong rushing and blocking. Motley helped the Browns win four championships in the All-America Football Conference and one in the NFL. He led the league in rushing twice. His career rushing average of 5.7 yards per carry remains a record. Motley faced racial discrimination throughout his career. His coach, Paul Brown, did not tolerate racism on the team. After retiring in 1953, Motley tried to return as a player and later sought coaching jobs but found limited opportunities. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1968. Motley’s early years in Leesburg mark the start of a pioneering career. He helped break racial barriers in professional football. He died in 1999 at age 79.
Marion Motley was born on June 5, 1920, in Leesburg, Georgia. His family moved to Canton, Ohio, when he was three. Motley played football in high school and college. He served in the Navy during World War II. After the war, he joined the Cleveland Browns in 1946. Motley was one of the first African-American players in modern professional football. He played fullback and linebacker. He was known for strong rushing and blocking. Motley helped the Browns win four championships in the All-America Football Conference and one in the NFL. He led the league in rushing twice. His career rushing average of 5.7 yards per carry remains a record. Motley faced racial discrimination throughout his career. His coach, Paul Brown, did not tolerate racism on the team. After retiring in 1953, Motley tried to return as a player and later sought coaching jobs but found limited opportunities. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1968. Motley’s early years in Leesburg mark the start of a pioneering career. He helped break racial barriers in professional football. He died in 1999 at age 79.
Marion Motley was enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1968.
Marion Motley averaged 5.7 yards per carry, amassed 4,720 rushing yards, and made 85 career receptions throughout his Hall of Fame career as a fullback and linebacker.
