A Courageous Stand at the Liberty Bowl
Bill Collins, the first Black football captain at the University of Colorado, died on July 31 in Dallas, Texas, after a long battle with cancer. He was 76.
In 1969, Collins was one of three captains leading the Buffaloes into the Liberty Bowl against Alabama. At that time, the Crimson Tide had never fielded a Black player. Before kickoff, Alabama sent over 40 white players to the coin toss. Collins’ fellow captains, Bobby Anderson and Mike Pruett, stopped short so Collins could walk alone to midfield. His calm stride into the sea of white jerseys was a silent but powerful statement against intimidation and racism.
The moment became one of the most memorable acts of courage in Colorado sports history. Collins won the toss, and the Buffs went on to beat Alabama 47-33, finishing the game with 14 tackles and half a sack.
Battling Racism on and off the Field
The Liberty Bowl atmosphere was tense. Some Alabama fans spat on Colorado players and shouted racial slurs from the stands. Despite the hostility, Collins and his teammates stayed focused. At halftime, speeches from coach Eddie Crowder and defensive tackle Bill Brundige rallied the team.
Alabama briefly took the lead in the second half, but Colorado finished strong. Brundige set a school record with five sacks, while Collins’ defensive performance ranked among the best in CU bowl history. Their effort on the field sent a clear message: talent and unity could silence prejudice.
Anderson later said, “No one on our team will ever forget Bill taking that walk alone.” His leadership helped bridge racial divides within the team, keeping unity and success as top priorities.
From Walk-On to Team Leader
Collins’ journey to captaincy was far from ordinary. A walk-on from Houston, he joined Colorado in 1966 after writing letters to several universities seeking a chance to earn a scholarship. Only Colorado and Purdue responded. He arrived in Denver without ever having left Texas before.
By his sophomore year, Collins was a regular starter. He finished his CU career with 167 tackles, eight pass deflections, and two bowl victories. His performance earned him second-team All-Big Eight honors in 1969.
Collins’ leadership extended beyond football. After graduating with a business degree in 1970, he built a 35-year corporate career, retiring as Xerox’s vice president and general manager for Texas. He then dedicated himself to ministry work at The Urban Alternative and the Oakcliff Bible Fellowship, serving his community with the same commitment he showed on the field.
A Legacy That Inspires Generations
Teammates remembered Collins as a man of integrity, faith, and relentless determination. Cornerback Eric Harris nicknamed him “Contact” for his hard-hitting style and full engagement in every play.
His influence reached far beyond football. Collins was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who inspired through his actions, leadership, and service. Even in his final years, he remained active in church ministries and community projects.
The public is invited to honor his life at a viewing on August 6 in Dallas, with a celebration of life on August 7 at Oakcliff Bible Fellowship. The family requests attendees wear blue and tan, his favorite colors.
Bill Collins’ story is one of courage, perseverance, and purpose. His walk to midfield in 1969 still speaks to the power of standing tall in the face of injustice.
