Editor’s note: The banner image above is courtesy of the Drake University archives.
Written by: RETROactive staff
An African American standout player at Drake University during the 40s and 50s, Johnny Bright was a front-runner to win the 1951 Heisman Trophy. In a game against Oklahoma A&M, Bright was knocked unconscious and ultimately forced to leave the game due to injury. Bright enjoyed a hall of fame career in the Canadian Football League and was an educator, coach and principal. A public school in Edmonton also bears his name.
After years in development, The Bright Path: The Johnny Bright Story, is now available to view free on PBS.
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