Ricky Lanier Football News & Bio

Name: Ricky Lanier Hometown: Williamston, NC High School: E.J. Hayes Born: November 28, 1948 Died: October 1, 2025 Notes: First Black scholarship football player at UNC

Ricky Lanier, first Black scholarship football player at UNC, dies at 76
Williamston is mourning the death of another legend in the world of football. A celebration of life ceremony was held in Greensboro on Sunday, Oct...
Wed Oct 15, 2025

Ricky Lanier, Karen Stevenson Are Tar Heel ACC Unite Recipients
As part of the 2023 Fall Unity Week, the ACC has announced recipients of the 2023 ACC UNITE Award, created to honor individuals affiliated with...
Thu Oct 19, 2023

The pioneer: Ricky Lanier reflects on being UNC's first Black football player
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...
Tue Feb 28, 2023

Video: UNC Black History Heroes - Charlie Scott & Ricky Lanier
Ricky Lanier was the first African-American football player at UNC. He will forever be remembered for his 174 yard rushing day against VMI, still a...
Thu Feb 13, 2020

Carolina Recognizes Tar Heel Trailblazers
In recognition of Black History Month, UNC honored four African-American pioneers - Courtney Bumpers, Robyn Hadley, Ricky Lanier and Charles Scott - as its inaugural...
Fri Feb 28, 2014

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