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Proclamation honoring in memoriam William G. Nunn, Jr., pro-football pioneer that helped African American players and personnel enter into the National Football League.
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WHEREAS, Allegheny County is blessed with individuals and organizations dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in our neighborhood and the community as a whole. One such individual was the late Bill Nunn Jr., who garnered the reputation of producing some of the Pittsburgh Steeler’s greatest talents; and
WHEREAS, a Homewood native and graduate of Westinghouse High School, Bill went on to attend West Virginia State University, where he was inducted into their Sports Hall of Fame. Bill then began his newspaper career as a sports writer for the New Pittsburgh Courier. He rose to editor within the sports department, succeeding his father as managing editor of the entire publication; and
WHEREAS, in 1967, Bill began working for the Steelers as a part-time scout, and was made full-time a year later. In just three years, he was promoted to Assistant Director of Player Personnel. Bill was the first African-American man appointed to a front-office position with the Steelers; and
WHEREAS, in his 46-year tenure at the Steelers, Bill was known for drafting talented players from historically black colleges. Under his watchful eye, football greats L.C. Greenwood, Mel Blount, Ernie Holmes, John Stallworth and Donnie Shell, most of whom played for Steelers sometime during their four Super Bowl wins from 1975-1980, were drafted to the team. Bill himself has six Super Bowl rings; and
WHEREAS, Bill was an inaugural member of the Black College Football Hall of Fame in 2010 and nominated for the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2007. A noted family man, Bill was a loving husband, father of two, grandfather of three and great grandfather of one;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Allegheny County Council, on behalf of the citizens of Allegheny County, honors the life of the late Mr. Bill Nunn, J...
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