Professional Football Player. He is recognized as an American football player, sports agent, and community leader. Known as a trailblazer for black football players in Texas, he was the first African American to receive a football scholarship at an integrated school in Texas when he played at Texas A and I University in Kingsville from 1960 through 1963, receiving All-American honors. He was drafted to play professional football with the National Football League's Houston Oilers from 1964 through 1968 and with the Boston Patriots in 1969 and 1970. He was selected to play in the 1965 NFL All-Star Game and was part of a player boycott protesting racial incidents targeting black players. The boycott resulted in the game being moved from New Orleans to Houston. Born the youngest of ten children, he attributed much of his success to his upbringing by parents Roscoe and Leona Blanks. He attended segregated San Felipe High School where he was a standout multi-sport athlete. After his professional success, he remembered his hometown with numerous investments and support. His ability to speak Spanish built many bridges throughout the community and he was honored by a Del Rio city park named in his honor. He was also honored as an inductee of the Texas A&I Hall of Fame, Lone Star Conference Hall of Fame, and Texas Black Sports Hall of Fame. He is the father of two, Sidney Blanks, Jr. and Lance Blanks, a former National Basketball Association player with the Detroit Pistons and a TV sports analyst with ESPN.
Professional Football Player. He is recognized as an American football player, sports agent, and community leader. Known as a trailblazer for black football players in Texas, he was the first African American to receive a football scholarship at an integrated school in Texas when he played at Texas A and I University in Kingsville from 1960 through 1963, receiving All-American honors. He was drafted to play professional football with the National Football League's Houston Oilers from 1964 through 1968 and with the Boston Patriots in 1969 and 1970. He was selected to play in the 1965 NFL All-Star Game and was part of a player boycott protesting racial incidents targeting black players. The boycott resulted in the game being moved from New Orleans to Houston. Born the youngest of ten children, he attributed much of his success to his upbringing by parents Roscoe and Leona Blanks. He attended segregated San Felipe High School where he was a standout multi-sport athlete. After his professional success, he remembered his hometown with numerous investments and support. His ability to speak Spanish built many bridges throughout the community and he was honored by a Del Rio city park named in his honor. He was also honored as an inductee of the Texas A&I Hall of Fame, Lone Star Conference Hall of Fame, and Texas Black Sports Hall of Fame. He is the father of two, Sidney Blanks, Jr. and Lance Blanks, a former National Basketball Association player with the Detroit Pistons and a TV sports analyst with ESPN.
Bio by: RKD
Family Members
Siblings
Children
Advertisement
