What is Charles Follis's middle name?
W.
Charles Follis nickname(s):
The Black Cyclone
Charles Follis date of birth:
February 3, 1879
How old was Charles Follis when died?
31
Where was Charles Follis born?
Cloverdale, Virginia, United States
When did Charles Follis die?
April 5, 1910
Why did Charles Follis die?
Pneumonia
How tall is Charles Follis?
6' (183 cm)
How much does Charles Follis weigh?
200 lbs (90.7 kg)
What is Charles Follis's ethnicity?
Black
What is Charles Follis nationality?
American
What is Charles Follis's occupation?
Football (American)
Charles Follis claim to fame:
first black player of American football
Short Biography
Charles W. Follis, a.k.a. "The Black Cyclone, " (February 3, 1879 – April 5, 1910) was the first black professional football player. He played for the Shelby Blues of the "Ohio League" from 1902 to 1906. On September 16, 1904, Follis signed a contract with Shelby making him the first black contracted to play professional football. He was also the first black catcher to move from college baseball onto a black professional baseball team.