Odds are Bobby Marshall is the greatest football player, the most distinguished Minnesotan and the most multifaceted Black pioneer you've never heard of.
As the first full century of NFL games officially faded into the history books this past week, today's players look forward to a future in which their voices can impact social justice. But it's also important, leaders say, to look back and honor the backs upon which today's opportunities were built.
"It's amazing to me what those guys went through to give us the opportunities we have today," said Vikings co-defensive coordinator Andre Patterson, a 60-year-old Black man.