The Black College Football Hall of Fame formally enshrined its Class of 2013 during a ceremony in Atlanta on Saturday.
The newest members were selected from a list of 35 finalists who had been determined earlier this year by the Black College Football Hall of Fame Selection Committee comprised of journalists and former football executives from around the country. Former inductees also submitted their votes to determine who will join this elite group of pioneers who have significantly impacted college football.
Here are the 11 members of the Black College Football Hall of Fame Class of 2013:
» Elvin Bethea (OLB, NC A&T, 1964-67; Houston Oilers, 1968-83)
» Charles Brackins (QB, Prairie View A&M, 1951-54; Green Bay Packers, 1955)
» Joe Gilliam, Jr. (QB, Tennessee State University, 1968-71; Pittsburgh Steelers, 1972-75)
» Ken Houston (DB, Prairie View A&M, 64-1967; Houston Oilers, 1967-72, Washington Redskins, 1973-80)
» Charlie Joiner (WR, Grambling State University, 1965-68; Houston Oilers 1969-72, Cincinnati Bengals 1972-75, San Diego Chargers, 1976-86)
» Ed "Too Tall" Jones (DL, Tennessee State University, 1970-73; Dallas Cowboys, 1974-89)
» Larry Little (OL, Bethune-Cookman University, 1963-66; San Diego Chargers, 1967-68, Miami Dolphins 1969-80)
» Shannon Sharpe (TE, Savannah State University, 1986-89; Denver Broncos 1990-99, 2002-03, Baltimore Ravens, 2000-01)
» Jackie Slater (OL, Jackson State University, 1973-76; Los Angeles Rams, 1976-94, Arizona Cardinals, 1995)
» John "Big John" Merritt (Head Coach, Tennessee State, 1953-83)
» Charlie Neal (Longtime commentator for Black College Football)