National Reading Week 📚
This week, our guys got to get out in the community with local elementary schools to share stories and spend time with kids from all over Northern Nevada!
#BattleBorn
Great opportunity for Nevada students, alumni, and staff provided by @Tahoe_AleWorX. We at @NevadaFootball are very appreciative of all they do in support of our program and our people. Highly recommend everyone checks this out!
ʜᴏɴᴏʀɪɴɢ ᴛʜᴇ ᴘᴀꜱᴛ, ɪɴꜱᴘɪʀɪɴɢ ᴛʜᴇ ꜰᴜᴛᴜʀᴇ.
This Black History Month, we continue to recognize the trailblazers who challenged barriers and changed the game forever. Today, we honor Marion Motley.
In 1943, during the height of Jim Crow segregation, Motley came to Nevada and quickly established himself as one of the most dominant players in college football. At a time when opportunities for Black student-athletes were limited nationwide, he wore the Silver & Blue with strength, resilience, and undeniable talent.
But his impact didn’t stop in Reno.
In 1946, Motley helped reintegrate the NFL with the Cleveland Browns, breaking professional football’s color barrier and paving the way for generations to follow. His career would later earn him a place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Marion Motley didn’t just carry the football.
He carried history forward.
ɴᴀᴛɪᴏɴᴀʟ ɢɪʀʟꜱ ᴀɴᴅ ᴡᴏᴍᴇɴ ɪɴ ꜱᴘᴏʀᴛꜱ ᴅᴀʏ 🐺
Thankful today (and everyday) for the incredible women who help make this program a better place - from nutrition, training and recruiting, to equipment, video, and administration - we couldn’t do it without you!
ʜᴏɴᴏʀɪɴɢ ᴛʜᴇ ᴘᴀꜱᴛ, ɪɴꜱᴘɪʀɪɴɢ ᴛʜᴇ ꜰᴜᴛᴜʀᴇ.
This February, join us as we celebrate and remember those who paved the way for future generations to come. Up first, Sherman Howard and Alva Tabor.
In the fall of 1948, the University of Nevada football program was faced with a choice. Tulsa University warned against bringing any of the Pack’s black players to the competition. The university’s telegram stated “Nevada is aware of the traditional background of athletics in the state of Oklahoma … and the decision is the prerogative of Nevada”.
The team had a decision to make. Forfeit the opportunity to travel to Oklahoma and play the game, or stand with their brothers and make a choice not many were willing to make.
Backed by their teammates, Tabor and Howard went down to Oklahoma, and proceeded to hand Tulsa their worst loss in 31 years, 65-14.
Tabor is recognized unofficially as the Pack’s first black quarterback, and also contributed to the team in the fullback and all-purpose back positions. Howard was a running back who contributed to the ‘47 and ‘48 teams’ record of 18-4, with back-to-back bowl appearances.
These two truly understood what it meant to have the support of a Pack family, and we are proud to recognize and remember their legacy and contributions to this university.