George Woodrow broke barriers as first Black quarterback at Kilgore College – CBS19.tv KYTX

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KILGORE, Texas — Breaking barriers isn’t easy, but for one East Texas athlete, it was necessary. In 1968, Dr. George Woodrow became the first Black quarterback at Kilgore College —and the first in Texas junior college history. At a time when the position was considered off-limits for African Americans, Woodrow stepped up and changed the game. Decades later, his impact is still felt. 
The year 1968 was a time of change in America. Segregation was ending, but on the football field, some barriers still remained — until one young man stepped under center at Kilgore College.
“1968 obviously, was much different than 2025,” Woodrow said. “This was the era just ending forced segregation. So things were changing very rapidly in America. And when I came to Kilgore, not only was I the first African American quarterback at Kilgore, I was the first African American quarterback in the history of Texas junior college football.”
Woodrow didn’t just play quarterback — he redefined what was possible for Black athletes in leadership roles on the field.
“Sports fans understand this — quarterback is the leader of the team. In ‘68, the quarterback called every play, so he was perceived as one with high intellect,” Woodrow said. “And African Americans were not considered to be particularly equipped with the extraordinary intellect. So we played other positions. But quarterback was sort of off-limits.”
At just 18 years old, he understood the weight of history. Every snap, every pass, every decision wasn’t just about winning — it was about opening doors for those who would follow.
“I looked around. Nobody that looked like me was playing that position. That’s an overstatement — nobody — but very few people,” 
The pressure wasn’t just on the field. Off of it, expectations were higher. He had to be more than just a good player — he had to be nearly perfect.
 “Many times I just said, ‘Well, you know, maybe I’ll just go to college and not play football.’ But my parents encouraged me —  just keep going,” Woodrow said. “I didn’t know how the 99% of white players would respond. But to my surprise, they responded very positively. The faculty supported me. The teachers off-campus was a little different, but we basically stayed here, and they took care of us.” 
Despite the challenges, Woodrow’s talent and determination paved the way for others. His success at Kilgore sent a message far beyond the football field.”
“Kilgore was a trailblazer. The first African American quarterback at the University of Texas didn’t play until a decade later,” Woodrow said. “So Kilgore was far ahead of the curve.”
Now, when Black quarterbacks take the field, they stand on the shoulders of pioneers like Woodrow, a trailblazer who proved that opportunity is all it takes to make history.
 “When I was inducted into the Hall of Fame, it made it all worth it. And I thank Kilgore tremendously,” he said. 
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Gilliam Nii Lighter

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