Michael Strahan may not have made it into the Pro Football Hall of Fame the first go-around, but he is now officially a Hall of Famer. Strahan is one of seven new inductees into the Black College Football Hall of Fame, according to the hall’s website. He’s one of four inductees from the SWAC.
The class will be inducted on March 1 in Atlanta, home of the Black College Football Hall of Fame. Check out the full list below.
Michael Strahan, Texas Southern
One of the most fearsome pass-rushers in SWAC and NFL history. Strahan came to Texas Southern in the shadow of his uncle, who also went to TSU before turning pro. Strahan soon showed that he could hold his own, earning All-American honors while at TSU. He recorded 19 sacks as a senior, earning Division I-AA All-American honors. He finished his college career with 41.5 sacks. He was drafted by the New York Giants in the second round of the 1993 draft by the New York Giants, and spent his entire career with the team. As a pro, Strahan racked up 141.5 sacks, and currently holds the NFL’s single-season sack record.
John Stallworth, Alabama A&M
Before earning four Super Bowl rings with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Stallworth was an end from Alabama A&M. Stallworth was selected in the fourth round of the 1974 draft and formed one of the great pass-catching duos of all-time with Lynn Swann. Stallworth was a three-time All-Pro caught 537 passes for 63 touchdowns and was selected to the Pro Football HOF in 2002.
Robert Brazile, Jackson State
Jackson State was a loaded football team in the early 1970s. You know about Walter Payton. You may even remember that former LA Ram great Jackie Slater played with Payton. But people often forget about Robert Brazile. Brazile was a fierce pass rusher and all-around problem for an offense to contend with. He was picked sixth overall by the Houston Oilers in 1975, and put together a stellar 10-year career. Brazile made an immediate impact, winning Rookie of The Year honors in 1975. He is credited with 1,281 tackles and 11 sacks in his career, though his sack total would be much higher if the NFL didn’t wait until the early 80s to credit sacks. Like Strahan, Brazile is still waiting to be inducted into the Pro Football HOF.
Leroy Kelly, Morgan State
Back in the 60s, Morgan State stood beside Grambling and FAMU as the giants of Black College Football. Kelly was a big part of that, helping Morgan State to the 1961 CIAA championship, the first of five CIAA titles for Morgan. Kelly was drafted by Cleveland in 1964, and eventually became Jim Brown’s replacement after starting his career as a backup. The six-time Pro-Bowl selection excelled at both running back and kick returner, gaining over 12,000 all-purpose yards and scoring 90 touchdowns. Kelly was selected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1994.
Willie Totten, Mississippi Valley State
As a pro, Jerry Rice played with Hall of Fame quarterbacks Joe Montana and Steve Young. Now he has a third Hall of Fame quarterback in Willie Totten. Totten and Rice remain one of, if not the most, prolific passing-receiving duo in all of college football history. Totten set more than 50 college football records from 1981 to 1985, throwing a ridiculous 58 touchdown passes in 1984 as the Delta Devils averaged 59 points per game. Totten never found the pro football success that his former teammated did, but he is currently an assistant at Albany State. Oh, and he’s got a stadium (Rice-Totten) named after him.
Doug Wilkerson, NC Central
The highest selection in North Carolina Central history, Wilkerson played fourteen pro seasons, primarily with the San Diego Chargers. The guard is currently in the Charger Hall of Fame.
Mariano Casem, Alcorn State
Casem coached 22 seasons at Alcorn State, leading the Braves to seven SWAC championships.