Pitt legend Bobby Grier dead at 91

PITTSBURGH — The Pitt community and all of college football are mourning the loss of Bobby Grier.

Grier died at the age of 91. University of Pittsburgh Athletics confirmed Grier’s death on Sunday.

“Bobby Grier is the epitome of the Pitt student-athlete,” said Chancellor Joan Gabel in a statement. “Striving to compete alongside his teammates at the highest level possible, he played with courage, grace and conviction, and he helped drive the national conversation toward justice at a pivotal time in American history. The University of Pittsburgh is enormously proud to call Bobby an alum. We express our deepest condolences to his family and friends at the loss of a great man.”

Grier helped break the color barriers in college football. In 1956, on his 23rd birthday, Grier made history by becoming the first African American to play in the Sugar Bowl.

Channel 11 sat down with Grier on that day in 2023 and he said that breaking the color barrier was the furthest thing from his mind that day.

“I didn’t think anything of it,” Grier said.

He remained humble about his place in history but his son, Rob Jr., will never stop talking about the challenges his father experienced.

“So proud of dad. He’s always been a great father,” said Rob Jr.

His spot in the Sugar Bowl was not easy. Georgia’s Governor was opposed to racial integration and tried to keep Grier from playing but Georgia Tech University took a stand and so did his teammates. They refused to make the trip without him.

“They said we’re not going down without him. No Grier, no game,” Grier said.

Grier was not allowed to stay with his teammates in the team hotel but he ignored it and persevered.

“I’m very proud of what I did,” Grier said.

Grier is a member of the Pitt Athletics Hall of Fame. He was inducted in 2020.

“Bobby Grier lived a truly remarkable and impactful life that inspires in so many ways,” Director of Athletics Heather Lyke said in a statement. “The courage and dignity he showed in desegregating the Sugar Bowl stands as one of the most important moments not only in the history of the University of Pittsburgh but also the game of college football. One of my most gratifying moments was having the opportunity to take part in his enshrinement in the Pitt Athletics Hall of Fame in 2021. His legacy, on and off the field, will always burn brightly at Pitt. We extend our deepest condolences to the Grier family and Bobby’s many loved ones.”

Pitt football will honor Grier throughout the 2024 season by wearing a commemorative helmet sticker.

Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW

©2024 Cox Media Group