Charles Follis

Charles Follis
Profile
Position	Halfback
Personal information
Born	February 3, 1879; Cloverdale, Virginia
Died	April 15, 1910 (aged 31); Cleveland, Ohio
Listed height	6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
Listed weight	200 lb (91 kg)
Career information
High school	Wooster; (Wooster, Ohio)
College	Wooster
Career history
	Wooster Athletic Association (1901); Shelby Blues (1902–1906);
Awards and highlights
	First black professional football player;

Charles W. Follis, also known as "Charles The Speedy ," (February 3, 1879 – April 5, 1910) was the first Black professional American football player. He played for the Shelby Blues of the "Ohio League" from 1902 to 1906. On September 16, 1904, Follis signed a contract with the Blues, making him the first Black man contracted to play professional football on an integrated team. He was also the first Black catcher to move from college baseball into the Negro leagues.