 Black players in professional American football

Details of the history of black players in professional American football depend on the professional football league considered, which includes the National Football League (NFL); the American Football League (AFL), a rival league from 1960 through 1969 which eventually merged with the NFL; and the All-America Football Conference (AAFC), which existed from 1946 to 1949.Charles Follis is believed to be the first black professional football player, having played for the Shelby Steamfitters from 1902 to 1906.