The idealist: Jack Trice’s tragic college football legacy

In an extract from his new book, Jonathan Gelber explores the events leading up to the death of a Black football pioneer

Upstairs in his room, Jack sat at a small desk. Unable to eat with his teammates because of the color of his skin, his mind turned to greater things. His was no stranger to prejudice; after all, no Black man was. But the divide between him and those around him seemed to be widening. Maybe not physically but certainly culturally.

Students would later recall Jack strolling through the south side of campus. He worked out in the gym. He attended convocation. He rubbed elbows with them. But he never stepped over the invisible barrier." He lived alone and apart." Like his high school yearbook, the college newspaper commented on his smile. Even the students on campus who didn't know him personally still experienced his smile. But to many, that was as close as they could get to Jack. It was true: There was a barrier. But it wasn't invisible. It was black. Jack worked for the greater good, to lift up those around him. He was an idealist.

This is an extract from The Idealist: Jack Trice and the Battle for A Forgotten Football Legacy by Jonathan Gelber. Available to buy now.