A Legacy Forged in Black & Gold: The History of Morgan State University Football
Morgan State University's football program boasts a rich and storied history, deeply intertwined with the university's legacy of academic excellence and social impact. From its humble beginnings in the late 19th century to its championship years and the production of numerous professional players, Morgan State football has left an indelible mark on the landscape of Historically Black College and University (HBCU) athletics.
Early Years and the Edward P. Hurt Dynasty (1898-1959)
The Morgan State Bears football team began competing in American football in 1898, 31 years after the school was founded. The program's all-time record is 405 wins, 379 losses and 38 ties.
Coach Edward P. Hurt took over the Morgan Bears football team in 1929. The next year his teams won the first of the 14 CIAA championships they would win with him at the helm. More importantly, Hurt, and his assistant coach Talmadge L.
The arrival of the black athlete on the national sports scene in the 1940s and 50s goes directly back to Edward P. Hurt. From 1929 to 1959, the program was defined by the legendary coach Edward P. Hurt. During this era, Morgan State dominated the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA), amassing an impressive 173 wins and 14 CIAA championships. Hurt's leadership not only established Morgan State as a football powerhouse but also played a pivotal role in the advancement of Black athletes on the national sports stage. The Edward P. Hurt Gymnasium stands as a testament to his enduring legacy at the university.
The Earl Banks Era: Elevating Morgan State Football (1960-1973)
Earl Banks succeeded Hurt and took Morgan football to the next level. Banks was the Head coach from 1960 to 1973. He coached the Bears to a 31-game winning streak, three unbeaten regular seasons, four CIAA titles, a MEAC championship, and four bowl games. Banks' tenure (1960-1973) ushered in a new golden age for Morgan State football. Banks elevated the program to national prominence, highlighted by a 31-game winning streak, three undefeated regular seasons, four CIAA titles, a Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) championship in 1971 after Morgan entered the MEAC, and four bowl game appearances.
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Notable Games and Cultural Impact
Morgan State's football history includes several significant games that transcend the sport itself. In 1976, Morgan State played Grambling State in the first American college football game in Asia. Games against Howard University were intense rivalries. These contests, often referred to simply as "The Game," held immense cultural significance for both institutions and the wider Black community.
Notable Players
Fifty three former Morgan players have gone on to play professional football. Thirty nine players went to the NFL, eight to the CFL, three to the WFL and one each to the AAFC, the Arena Football League and the AIFA. Throughout its history, Morgan State's football program has produced a remarkable array of talent that has gone on to excel at the professional level. Some notable alumni who have played in the NFL include Rosey Brown, Leroy Kelly, John Fuqua, and Visanthe Shiancoe.
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