The pioneer: Ricky Lanier reflects on being UNC's first Black football player

Posted Feb 28, 2023
The story goes that starting quarterback John Swofford went down early with an injury, meaning North Carolina coach Bill Dooley had to turn to his bench for a replacement in the 1969 game against VMI. It then became time for Ricky Lanier to show he was more than capable of directing an offense and better than the stereotype that said he couldn’t. (Winston-Salem Journal)

Related: Football, Football Recruiting

Mack Brown to attend UNC-Louisville basketball game
Mack Brown will return to Chapel Hill on Feb. 23 to attend UNC's basketball game against Louisville, marking his first visit to campus since his...
Mon Feb 23, 2026

New England Patriots make classy $400,000 decision on receiver Mack Hollins
Mack Hollins fell short of landing a big contract incentive with the New England Patriots last season, but the team is going to reward him...
Sun Feb 22, 2026

Cowboys and running back Javonte Williams agree on $24 million, 3-year contract
The Dallas Cowboys and running back Javonte Williams have agreed on a $24 million, three-year contract, following through on the front office’s pledge that bringing...
Sun Feb 22, 2026

Two UNC Football Players Honored At Uplifting Athletes Leadership Development Conference
UNC Football's Timir Hickman-Collins and Christo Kelly recently attended the 2026 Uplifting Athletes Leadership Development Conference in Philadelphia. The UNC Football Chapter was recognized at...
Thu Feb 19, 2026