Pittsburgh Review

February is Black History Month, a time dedicated to recognizing individuals who have made significant contributions to the nation and shattered racial barriers. Among those honored is the late Bill Nunn, whose impact on the NFL continues to be felt.

Bill Nunn began his career with the Pittsburgh Steelers as a part-time scout in 1967 before moving into a full-time role from 1969 until 2014. Though his official title was scout, his influence extended far beyond that role. In 2021, he became the first Black Contributor inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

"He never changed," said Lynell Nunn, his daughter, at the time of his enshrinement. "He was always so concerned about diversity with the players, coaches and front office."

Nunn played a crucial role in opening doors for players from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), impacting not only the Steelers but also the entire NFL. During an era when Black college players were often overlooked, Nunn ensured they received recognition.

Nunn passed away in 2014 at age 89. He attended West Virginia State University, an HBCU where he was a three-year captain on the basketball team. Before joining the Steelers, he worked in journalism as a sportswriter and managing editor of The Pittsburgh Courier. Starting in 1950, he selected the newspaper's annual Black College All-American Team.

For Steelers fans, names like John Stallworth, Donnie Shell, Mel Blount, and L.C. Greenwood are synonymous with Nunn's scouting legacy. "Bill in my mind was a game-changer for guys in my era that went to Black colleges," said Stallworth.

Nunn's influence extended beyond Pittsburgh. The New York Giants drafted future Hall of Famer Roosevelt 'Rosey' Brown after learning about him through Nunn's All-America team in The Courier. Similarly, Los Angeles Rams fans can thank Nunn for Deacon Jones' selection.

"You can't write the history of the Pittsburgh Steelers without Bill Nunn," said Blount.

The last Black College All-America Team selected by Nunn for The Pittsburgh Courier included Stallworth in 1974. That same year saw one of NFL history's greatest draft classes from HBCUs contribute significantly to Super Bowl IX victory for Pittsburgh.

Nunn was inducted into both the inaugural class of the Black College Football Hall of Fame in 2010 and recognized by Steelers Hall of Honor in 2018. His efforts helped uncover talent from HBCUs largely ignored by other teams—a fact not lost on Shell: "Bill Nunn has done so much for this league over years... letting NFL teams know about talent."

Reflecting on their relationship furthered off-field guidance too: "We had side conversations that no one ever knew about... He would sit me down... When you are young that gave you encouragement."

As February unfolds honoring figures like Bill Nun remains essential; acknowledging how pioneers shaped sports today through dedication breaking barriers paving paths anew others continue following footsteps laid long ago across fields once uncharted yet now familiar thanks tireless efforts trailblazers past present future alike forever changing landscape all touched along way forever grateful legacies left behind live strong timeless truth reminding us greatness knows bounds defies limits transcends expectations forging brighter tomorrow everyone together united purpose shared dreams realized together forward onward always stronger than ever before ready embrace challenges ahead embracing hope promise holds promise ahead new day dawns horizon awaits limitless possibilities await discovery exploration realization dreams fulfilled aspirations achieved goals reached hearts minds inspired ignite passion drive determination spirit fuels fires within pushing boundaries beyond imagined realms possibilities endless infinite potential unlocked unveiled revealed journey continues...