Experiencing Interruptions?

The B1G Story: George Taliaferro

He was the first Black American drafted in the NFL, the only man to play 7 positions in the NFL. In college, his popularity enabled him to racially integrate the town of Bloomington, Indiana. He even integrated the local theater with the twist of a screwdriver. So why does no one know his name?

The B1G Story: George Taliaferro documents the life of football legend George Taliaferro, a pioneer, whose sacrifices opened doors for generations of Black football players. The son of a steel worker in Gary, Indiana, George (1927-2018) earned regional recognition as a football prodigy for his ability to play seven positions with outrageous athleticism. But when George left the safety of his home community in 1945 to begin his college football career, he found himself unable to live in the dorms or eat in local restaurants.

You know Jackie Robinson's name. Jesse Owens' too, see the film that adds George Taliaferro to the pantheon of athletes that broke racial barriers and influenced generations.

  • Kevin Weaver
    Director
  • Tucker Gragg
    Director
  • Hunter Atkins
    Producer
  • Matt Dillman
    Director of Photography
  • Bill Friedman
    Executive Producers
  • Kevin Ritchie
    Executive Producers
  • Garrett Wright
    Executive Producers
  • Kevin Weaver
    Editors
  • Ben Frazier
    Editors
  • Tucker Gragg
    Editors
  • Peder Piering
    Editors
  • Project Type:
    Animation, Documentary, Feature, Television
  • Runtime:
    52 minutes 39 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    September 1, 2021
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Big Ten Network Originals

    United States
    September 7, 2021
    North American Premiere
    Big Ten Network Originals
Distribution Information
  • Big Ten Network
    Distributor
    Country: United States
    Rights: All Rights
Director - Kevin Weaver, Tucker Gragg