An Overcomer      

   In the NFL, he played quarterback, running back, wide receiver, punter, kick returner, punt returner and defensive back. Who does that? 

   When Indiana faces Iowa today, players will have No. 44 on their helmets. Campus flags are at half-staff.

   George Taliaferro was the leading rusher on Indiana's undefeated team in 1945. Intense segregation in Bloomington caused him to call his dad. He wanted to go home and work with him at a Gary, Indiana steel plant. His dad wouldn't hear of it, and the kid realized he was in school for an education. He played four years. 

   In 1949, Taliaferro became the first black player drafted in the NFL, by the Chicago Bears, his favorite team. A week earlier he had signed to play in Los Angeles in the All America Football Conference. 

   He wondered if returning his $4,000 signing bonus would clear him to join the Bears. His mother reminded him, he had to be a man of his word. 

   When the leagues merged in 1950, Taliaferro began a five-year career in the NFL, first in New York, then Dallas, Baltimore and Philadelphia. He was good at running, passing and receiving, scoring 37 touchdowns. We never saw him play, but we can't imagine him beating his chest before the fans, as some players now do.  

   He earned a master's degree, taught, served as dean of students, and finally as IUPUI chancellor and dean of the School of Social Work. 

   Taliaferro, 91, died this week in Mason, Ohio, between Cincinnati and Dayton. He is survived by his wife of 67 years - another accomplishment - and two daughters. 

       Jimmy