In the midst of the Civil Rights Movement a Southern Methodist University (SMU) Coach decided to give an African-American football player from Beaumont, Texas a chance to break the color barrier in the Southwest. Coach Hayden Fry recognized the speed and drive from Jerry LeVias and offered him the first athletic scholarship ever given to an African-American in the Southwest Conference.

Jerry LeVias was honored and recognized by the Touchdown Club of Houston Wednesday night receiving a plaque for the Touchdowner of the Year. This plaque is awarded annually for extraordinary contributions and outstanding achievements reflecting honor and sportsmanship to football over a lengthy period of time.

Several friends of LeVias’ spoke and reminisced about their experiences with him and what has made him an outstanding man in the football community and in the South.

Friend, Mario Dell’Osso, “We just related as people, with all that he has been through he is a real descent, honest, and funny guy.”

Friend, Travis Johnson, “To do what you did, when you did it, took a lot of guts and you are my hero.”

Teammate, Rufus Cormier, “I hold him to high esteem, devotion to his family and the community are more important than himself.”

LeVias’ talent could have placed him at any Division I school in the United States but he decided to attend SMU for an education and not to be a pioneer, but a pioneer is what he became. LeVias’ commitment to SMU forever changed the racial structure of college football in the South.

Football may have been his means of attending SMU but his desire to earn a college degree is what propelled LeVias to make both the athletic and academic All-American football team and earn his Bachelors degree in Science. Along with his achievements in the classroom, he led SMU to their first conference title in 18 years and continued his football career as an Oiler and a Charger in the NFL.

LeVias commitment to stay strong against racial discrimination, death threats, blatant injuries, and isolation made him a role model for every human being in America.

“We all have a common goal as human beings, we put our race aside because we are all working for a common goal” LeVias told the audience.

This attitude was shared by Coach Fry, who believed that African-Americans were not given a fair opportunity and if he ever had an opportunity to help them then he would do it. Fry’s scholarship offer along with LeVias dedication opened the door for African-Americans throughout the South and today LeVias continues to open the door for the youth of America.

LeVias is the current Vice President of Partnership Development of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Texas and he is motivating others to make a difference in a child’s life. Jerry LeVias is an icon in the football community and continues to be a leading example to the entire human race.

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