Report: Auburn’s first African-American football player has died
By Nick Cole
Published:
Auburn is mourning the loss of a man that will always have a prominent stature in the football program’s history.
According to a report from WBRC Fox6’s Christina Chambers, former Auburn football player James Owens passed away on Saturday after battling heart problems. He was 65.
He made history for becoming the team’s first African-American to be put on football scholarship back in 1970.
In an interview from a story that ran on NCAA.com in January, Owens reflected upon that moment in his life:
“You would have thought there was a parade,” said Owens, recalling the cheers from the segregated bleachers in the southwest corner of Jordan-Hare Stadium. “Those black people cheered and hollered.”
“I was their hero, and they were my heroes. I realized I was there for more than James Owens. I was there for a nation, and people were depending on me to succeed,” he said.
Owens was reported to have spent four decades as a full-time minister before slowing down in his final years.
“God called me to preach, and that’s something you can’t get rid of,” Owens said.
Auburn football lost a good one today as James Owens has passed away. Owens was the 1st African American to play football at Auburn.
— Christina Chambers (@chambc1) March 26, 2016
The former Auburn fullback was 65 years old. He played at Auburn from 1969-1972. He was also a preacher in the Opelika area.
— Christina Chambers (@chambc1) March 26, 2016
Owens had suffered from heart problems. Thoughts and prayers are with his family.
— Christina Chambers (@chambc1) March 26, 2016
Here’s a video of Owens returning a punt for a touchdown against Florida back in 1970:
Nick Cole is a former print journalist with several years of experience covering the SEC. Born and raised in SEC country, he has taken in the game-day experience at all 14 stadiums.
