New Kensington in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Willie Thrower
(1930-2002)
First African American to play quarterback in the modern National Football League and in the Big Ten Conference. He played in two games for the Chicago Bears in 1953 and was a member of Michigan State’s national championship team in 1952. Thrower first played football here, for New Kensington High School’s WPIAL champion teams, 1946-48. He finished his career in Canada at age 27.
Erected 2003 by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Sports. In addition, it is included in the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1953.
Location. 40° 33.935′ N, 79° 45.298′ W. Marker is in New Kensington, Pennsylvania, in Westmoreland County. Marker is at the intersection of Stevenson Boulevard (Pennsylvania Route 366) and Powers Drive (Pennsylvania Route 780), on the right when traveling south on Stevenson Boulevard. Located at entrance to Valley High School in New Kensington. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: New Kensington PA 15068, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Stephanie Kwolek (approx. 0.4 miles away); Eddie Adams (approx. 0.6 miles away); Fannie Sellins (approx. 1.2 miles away); Chartier's Old Town (approx. 2.3 miles away); Rachel Carson (approx. 2.3 miles away); Orr's Block House (approx. 2.3 miles away); Carnegie Hero Fund Commission (approx. 2˝ miles away); Harwick Miners Memorial (approx. 2.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in New Kensington.
Also see . . .
1. Willie Thrower. Wikipedia entry (Submitted on June 30, 2022, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
2. Willie Lee Thrower, Sr. Find A Grave website entry (Submitted on August 24, 2013, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.)
3. NFL's first black quarterback honored by high school. ESPN website entry (Submitted on August 26, 2013, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.)
4. Willie Thrower Behind the Marker. Explore PA History website entry (Submitted on September 4, 2013, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.)
Credits. This page was last revised on June 30, 2022. It was originally submitted on August 24, 2013, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 608 times since then and 37 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 24, 2013, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. 3. submitted on August 26, 2013, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.