Jack Trice: Bravely, Eloquently Fought Racism On the Field At Iowa State

A century ago, Jack Trice confronted the cruel and ugly spirit of racism on the football field.

Kyle T. Mosley | Oct 7, 2023

A century ago, Jack Trice confronted the cruel and ugly spirit of racism on the football field. Since his tragic death following his only collegiate football game, Iowa State will honor its first black football player and will have his legacy commemorated.

In 1997, after a 24-year campaign, Iowa State named its football stadium after the Iowa State legendary player. It is the only Power 5 college football stadium named for a black person. On Saturday in Ames, the football team will wear their 1920s throwback uniforms while playing the Jack Trice Legacy Game as the Iowa State Cyclones host the TCU Horned Frogs.

"I hope the Jack Trice Commemoration will inspire a new generation of students at Iowa State to explore the Jack Trice story and encourage students at other colleges and universities to learn more about their barrier-breaking Black athletes," Jill Wagner said. She was the Iowa State University student government president 1975-76 when the student's rallied to support naming Jack Trice Stadium.

Why is Jack Trice An Important Symbol To Fight Racism?

The Jack Trice story is about a student-athlete who bravely challenged racial inequality in football. Unfortunately, Trice would have to pave the way for others sacrificially. His "I Will" letter was written a day before his final game. Trice wrote, "The honor of my race, family, and self are at stake. Everyone is expecting me to do big things. I will!"

USATSI_21580095_168388561_lowres — Jack Trice Statue stands by the Beardshear Hall in the Iowa State University's central campus. © Nirmalendu Majumdar/Ames Tribune / USA TODAY NETWORK

The Jack Trice Centennial Commemoration

Iowa State University is celebrating the 100th anniversary of Jack Trice's legacy with a series of events. The commemoration for Trice will conclude this weekend with a closing ceremony during which he will be awarded a posthumous degree. The institution has installed a new 200,000-pound bronze and concrete sculpture titled "Breaking Barriers" of Jack's silhouette. A street on the Iowa State campus will be renamed "Jack Trice Way." Also, a limited-edition cereal box will have Trice's photo on the cover.

For additional details on Jack Trice, please visit the Trice Legacy Foundation.

Published Oct 7, 2023

KYLE T. MOSLEY

I am Kyle T. Mosley, the Founder, Managing Editor, and Chief Reporter for the HBCU Legends, Saints News Network, and Pelicans Scoop on FanNation a Sports Illustrated team channel since October 2019. Morehouse Alum, McDonogh #35 Roneagles (NOLA), Drum Major of the Tenacious Four. My Father, Mother, Grandmother, Aunts and Uncles were HBCU graduates! Host of "Blow the Whistle" HBCU Legends, "The Quad" with Coach Steward, and "Bayou Blitz" Podcasts. Radio/Media Appearances: WWL AM/FM Radio in New Orleans (Mike Detillier/Bobby Hebert), KCOH AM 1230 in Houston (Ralph Cooper), WBOK AM in New Orleans (Reggie Flood/Ro Brown), and 103.7FM "The Game" (Jordy Hultberg/Clint Domingue), College Kickoff Unlimited (Emory Hunt), Jeff Lightsly Show, and Offscript TV on YouTube. Television Appearance: Fox26 in Houston on The Isiah Carey Factor, College Kickoff Unlimited (Emory Hunt). My Notable Interviews: Byron Allen (Media Mogul), Deion Sanders (Jackson State University, Head Coach), Tomekia Reed (Jackson State Lady Tigers Basketball Coach), Taylor Rooks (NBA Reporter), Swin Cash (VP of Basketball - New Orlean Pelicans), Demario and Tamala Davis (NFL Player), Jerry Rice (Hall of Famer), Doug Williams (HBCU & NFL Legend), Emmitt Smith (Hall of Famer), James "Shack" Harris (HBCU & NFL Legend), Cris Carter (Hall of Famer), Solomon Wilcots (SiriusXM NFL Host), Steve Wyche (NFL Network), Jim Trotter (NFL Network), Travis Williams (Founder of HBCU All-Stars, LLC), Malcolm Jenkins (NFL Player), Cam Jordan (NFL), Demario Davis (NFL), Allan Houston (NBA All-Star), Drew Brees (Former NFL QB), Deuce McAllister (Former NFL RB), Willie Roaf (NFL Hall of Fame), Jim Everett (Former NFL Player), Quinn Early (Former NFL Player), Dr. Reef (NFL Players' Trainer Specialist), Nataria Holloway (VP of the NFL). I am building a new team of journalists, podcasters, videographers, and interns. For media requests, interviews, or interest in joining HBCU Legends, please contact me at kmosley@hbcusi.com. Follow me: