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Former Lion Wally Triplett

Wally Triplett wasn’t the first black player in the NFL or even on the Lions, who selected him in the 19th round in 1949. Nor was he the first black player drafted. But he was the first who bridged the two, becoming the first drafted black player to play in the NFL.
Wally Triplett wasn’t the first black player in the NFL or even on the Lions, who selected him in the 19th round in 1949. Nor was he the first black player drafted. But he was the first who bridged the two, becoming the first drafted black player to play in the NFL.
The Detroit News Archives
Wally Triplett in 1951. As a return specialist for the Lions, he still holds the team’s game record of 294 kickoff return yards in 1950. That’s also the second-highest return yards in NFL history.
Wally Triplett in 1951. As a return specialist for the Lions, he still holds the team’s game record of 294 kickoff return yards in 1950. That’s also the second-highest return yards in NFL history.
The Detroit News Archives
Wally Triplett in 1949, the year he was drafted by the Detroit Lions..
Wally Triplett in 1949, the year he was drafted by the Detroit Lions..
The Detroit News Archives
Lions veteran Wally Triplett, now nearly 89, bowling at Garden Bowl in Detroit on Feb. 18, 2015. Triplett — Bobby Layne’s teammate, Jackie Robinson’s friend — is a black man who staunchly still calls himself a Negro.
Lions veteran Wally Triplett, now nearly 89, bowling at Garden Bowl in Detroit on Feb. 18, 2015. Triplett — Bobby Layne’s teammate, Jackie Robinson’s friend — is a black man who staunchly still calls himself a Negro.
David Coates / Detroit News
“It’s the term that best describes the oppression we went through to get to where we are,” said Triplett, who lives in Redford. “I want people to know that. Don’t make an apology for it."
“It’s the term that best describes the oppression we went through to get to where we are,” said Triplett, who lives in Redford. “I want people to know that. Don’t make an apology for it."
David Coates / Detroit News
Wally Triplett shows off the 1950 Detroit Lions organization team picture on the sidelines of the game before Detroit takes on the Minnesota Vikings at Ford Field in Detroit, on September 30, 2012. When which player he was, he smiled and said, "This was 1950 son, I was the black player."
Wally Triplett shows off the 1950 Detroit Lions organization team picture on the sidelines of the game before Detroit takes on the Minnesota Vikings at Ford Field in Detroit, on September 30, 2012. When which player he was, he smiled and said, "This was 1950 son, I was the black player."
Daniel Mears / Detroit News
Wally Triplett is introduced during a break in the action of a game against the Baltimore Ravens on Dec.16, 2013.
Wally Triplett is introduced during a break in the action of a game against the Baltimore Ravens on Dec.16, 2013.
Daniel Mears / Detroit News
Wally Triplett, holds his 1967 Hall of Fame festival program.
Wally Triplett, holds his 1967 Hall of Fame festival program.
Clarence Tabb, Jr. / Detroit News