We began talking and Motley, who admitted he didn't follow the NFL that closely, was surprised to learn the Eagles had a black head coach (Ray Rhodes) and not one but two black quarterbacks (Randall Cunningham and Rodney Peete).
"Is that right?" Motley said. "What's the coach's name? Ray Rhodes? How's he doing?"
Told Rhodes was doing well in his first season, Motley nodded and smiled.
"That's good," he said. "I wish him well. I know it wasn't easy for him getting there."
Motley knew from experience. He helped pave the way for Rhodes, Cunningham and Peete, for all the black players and coaches who now work in the NFL.