Black college football got major media attention for the first time in 1968 when Grambling State University, coached by the legendary Eddie Robinson, played Morgan State in the Invitational Football Classic at Yankee Stadium in New York City. The game drew more than 64,000 people. This was proof that Black college football, under the right circumstances, could be financially viable. The proceeds from that game — $200,000 — helped to bankroll a local academy and a scholarship fund to help inner-city youth pay for college.
Over the years, other “classic” games have come on the scene and the results have been mixed. Some remain viable while others have fallen by the wayside.
