NFL Pioneer John Nisby Was a Hero to All

February 13, 2011   ·   JW Nix   ·   Jump to comments

When John Nisby was born in 1936, the state of California did not yet realize a true leader was now amongst their midst. When he went to college at Pacific, after going to high school in Stockton, he stood out on the gridiron enough to be drafted in the sixth round of the 1957 draft by the Green Bay Packers.

Nisby was cut by the Packers, but quickly signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers and the rookie was soon starting on an offensive line where Pro Bowler Fran Varrichione was the veteran in his second year. Nisby held onto his job at right guard his entire five seasons with Pittsburgh.

After making his first Pro Bowl in 1959, Nisby duplicated the feat again in 1961. He wasn't only a top blocker for the team, but he was a community leader as well. His stance for equal rights became legendary and the city is still indebted to him to this day.

While with the team, he worked closely with the Pittsburgh Courier, a famous black newspaper, to ensure that all companies that...

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