Former NFL Cincinnati Bengals' Gary S. Burley, children's author Ralph V. Brooks, and award-winning journalist Donna T. Francavilla combined efforts to reveal the challenges and achievements of 5 outstanding football players who broke the color barrier around the turn of the century. Enjoy rarely-seen photographs and read real-life stories about these brave athletes. Hall of Famer, Burl A. Toler, the first African-American to serve as a field official in a major American professional sports league; The Black Cyclone, Charles Follis, the First Paid African-American Black Football Player Motorcycle McDonald, Henry McDonald; the First Haitian Black Professional American Football Player; The Warrior of his Time, Gideon Smith, the first African-American varsity athlete in any sport at MAC; and The Human Tornado, Fritz Pollard, the First Black Coach in the National Football League. The book also contains Gary Burley's never-before-seen personal photographs and journey. Read true rags to riches tales and a special student guidebook by contributing author Valencia Belle, Ph.D. A must-have for all history buffs and sports fans.