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William Karnet Willis (October 5, 1921 – November 27, 2007) was an American football middle guard and guard who played for eight seasons with the Cleveland Browns of the All-America Football Conference (AAFC) and the National Football League (NFL).
Learn about the life and career of Bill Willis, a pioneering African-American defensive lineman for the Cleveland Browns from 1946 to 1953. He was a star at Ohio State, a Pro Football Hall of Famer, and a leader in the fight for racial justice.
Nov 29, 2007 · Bill Willis, a Hall of Fame guard with the Cleveland Browns and one of four black players to break modern professional football’s color barrier in 1946, has died. He was 86.
Bill Willis was a middle guard for the Cleveland Browns who broke the color barrier in pro football in 1946. He played eight seasons, earned seven All-League selections and three Pro Bowls, and made a key tackle in the 1950 championship game.
Nov 29, 2007 · Bill Willis, the Cleveland Browns Hall of Fame guard who played a major role in breaking professional football’s racial barrier in the decade after World War II, died Tuesday in...
Bill Willis was a pioneer in breaking the color barrier in pro football and a key player on five championship teams for the Browns from 1946-53. He was a quick and agile defensive lineman who refused to fight back against racial taunts and helped lead Ohio State to a national title in 1942.
A sprinter's speed made Willis one of the greatest linemen at running interference, and many an opponent left Ohio Stadium feeling the pains of a Willis pop-block. Bill's 6-2 frame of muscle and brawn belied his fleetness afoot, yet he was a varsity dash man rarely outdistanced.
