Browsing: in his honor. A play called “The Black Cyclone” also celebrates his life and athletic career. Although he was inducted into the College of Wooster Hall of Fame in 2013

     Charles W. Follis, also known as “The Black Cyclone,” was a trailblazing athlete born on Feb. 3, 1879. He became the first Black professional American football player. Follis played for the Shelby Blues in the “Ohio League” from 1902 to 1906.