Paternalism and Pigskin
APRIL 11, 2007 TAGS:
The paternalistic football coach is a trope that has a firm place in the American lexicon of male 'types.' They are revered as much for their success on the field as they are for their ability to shape the character of young men.
Eddie Robinson was the Head Coach for the Grambling State University Tigers, a historically black university in Louisiana, for 56 years. He amassed 408 wins, a record, and, according to his own estimation, coached some 2500 football players. He died Tuesday night.
Robinson's story is unique for many reasons"the sheer number of players he coached, the challenges faced at a black college in the Jim Crow south, his dedication to one institution. By all accounts, he was a fierce competitor but had a gentle countenance, displaying both sternness and warmth.
He once said that he treated each of his players as if the young man were trying to marry his daughter.
USA TODAY Obit
Times-Picayune Obit
His statistical achievements
Great Oldsmobile commercial
Eddie Robinson was the Head Coach for the Grambling State University Tigers, a historically black university in Louisiana, for 56 years. He amassed 408 wins, a record, and, according to his own estimation, coached some 2500 football players. He died Tuesday night.
Robinson's story is unique for many reasons"the sheer number of players he coached, the challenges faced at a black college in the Jim Crow south, his dedication to one institution. By all accounts, he was a fierce competitor but had a gentle countenance, displaying both sternness and warmth.
He once said that he treated each of his players as if the young man were trying to marry his daughter.
USA TODAY Obit
Times-Picayune Obit
His statistical achievements
Great Oldsmobile commercial
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