Yesterday, Grambling State University announced they would be honoring two of their legendary players, Doug Williams and James “Shack” Harris”, by naming the field inside Eddie G. Robinson Memorial Stadium after them.
During the Tigers’ homecoming game against Alabama A&M on Saturday, October 14th, the field will officially become James ‘Shack” Harris and Doug Williams Field at Eddie G. Robinson Memorial Stadium.
“It is our pleasure to honor two of the greatest members of the Grambling State football family,” said Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics Dr. Trayvean Scott in a statement. “These two men have long represented what it means to be a G-Man and have achieved so much while breaking down barriers that few thought were attainable during their playing days. We can’t wait to add another brick to castle of greatness they’ve built.”
If any two men deserve that honor, it’s Harris and Williams.
As a three-year starter for the Tigers, Harris amassed a 24-5-1 record
As a three-year starter, Harris led the Tigers to a 24-5-1 record and became of the greatest quarterbacks in Grambling St. history.
He was then drafted by the Bills in the eighth round of the 1969 NFL Draft and became the first Black player to start at QB in modern NFL history. After heading to LA, he led the Rams to an NFC West Division title in 1974 and the team’s first playoff win since 1951. He also became the first Black QB to start a conference championship game, was named to the Pro Bowl and won Pro Bowl MVP.
After retiring from the pros, he held executive positions with the Ravens, Jaguars and Lions. Harris was also elected to the SWAC Hall of Fame, the Grambling Legends Hall of Fame, the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame, the Black College Hall of Fame, and the National Quarterback Club Hall of Fame.
“This is an outstanding honor for me, my family, coaches and all my teammates. I would like to thank President Rick Gallot, AD Trayvean Scott and the Grambling family for this dedication,” said Hararis, a native of Monroe, LA. “Sharing it with Doug Williams makes it even more special. I am very fortunate to have played for the great Coach Eddie Robinson. I am forever grateful to Grambling for providing me an education and tremendous HBCU experience. I hope my career represented Grambling well and made you proud. Thanks again and God bless.”
While Doug Williams is most recognized for thrashing the Broncos in Super Bowl XXII, 42-10, as the starting QB for Washington and becoming the first Black QB to win a Super Bowl, Williams’ accomplishments at Grambling deserve equal praise.
He was a four-year starter for the Tigers, leading Grambling to a 36-7 record and three SWAC titles during his tenure. He was also named the Black College Football Player of the Year twice and in 1977, he finished fourth in the Heisman voting.
In 1978, Williams was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with the 17th pick of the first round in the NFL Draft, becoming the first Black QB to be drafted in the opening round. In his first five seasons, he took the Bucs to the playoffs three times, including the 1979 NFC Championship Game.
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