Bill Willis, Class of 1977

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Bill Willis was an All-America tackle at Ohio State where he excelled as a two-way player.

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Willis gained notoriety as a defensive middle guard in which his quickness off the line earned him a spot on the Browns inaugural roster.

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Undersized by pro football standards of 1946, Willis would go on to earn first-team all-league selection seven times.

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Although it was at middle guard that Willis earned much acclaim, he is also remembered as a solid blocker and devastating tackler.

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Bill Willis, along with Marion Motley, Woody Strode and Kenny Washington permanently reintegrated professional football in 1946, a full year prior to Jackie Robinson doing the same in major league baseball.

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Willis presented former teammate Marion Motley for induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1968.

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Willis was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1977. Here he stands with his presenter and former coach, Paul Brown.

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The Class of 1977 <i>(L-R)</i>, Forrest Gregg, Frank Gifford, Gale Sayers, Bart Starr, and Bill Willis.

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Bill Willis delivers his enshrinement speech from the front steps of the Pro Football Hall of Fame on July 30, 1977.

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Willis also played in three NFL Pro Bowls.

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On May 9, 2006 the Ohio General Assembly honored Bill Willis with a Commendation by the House of Representatives and Senate. The Commendation is in recognition of Willis' historic role in the re-integration of professional football in America in 1946. Willis is seen here with current Ohio State head football coach Jim Tressel.

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Willis <i>(center)</i> seen at halftime of the 2006 AFC-NFC Hall of Fame Game in which he was presented with Senate Resolution 533 commemorating the 60th anniversary of the permanent reintegration of professional football.

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Willis accepts the Resolution.

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Bill Willis' first professional contract in which he was paid a salary of $4,000.

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Bill Willis' Hall of Fame mural.

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Bill Willis' Hall of Fame bust.

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Willis is prominently featured in the <i>Pro Football's African-American Pioneers</i> exhibit at the Pro Football Hall of Fame.