Latest news with #DougWilliams
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Shreveport podcast 'Louisiana Haywire' gets national distribution deal
SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) — A podcast based in Shreveport has been selected for national distribution. Grambling State's Doug Williams honored as Louisiana Legend 'Louisiana Haywire,' a show and podcast that highlights music artists and their stories, has been selected for distribution by Public Radio Exchange (PRX). This non-profit organization distributes and promotes public radio programming across the country. Louisiana Haywire is recognized for exploring the musical history of Northwest Louisiana. In addition to supporting this Shreveport-based podcast, PRX distributes other programs, including 'Afropop Worldwide,' a Peabody Award-winning radio show dedicated to music from Africa and the African diaspora. Oscar access for La. Film Prize Winner, new partnership According to a press release, 'Louisiana Haywire' is a playful homage to the legendary Shreveport radio program, 'The Louisiana Hayride.' This show played a significant role in launching the careers of renowned artists such as Hank Williams, Johnny Cash, and Elvis Presley, among many others. The premiere episode of 'Haywire' features Estelle Brown from Shreveport, who sang backup for Elvis Presley in Las Vegas from 1969 until his death. If you would like to watch their interviews, visit their YouTube page. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Grambling State's Doug Williams honored as Louisiana Legend
GRAMBLING, La. (KTAL/KMSS)—Former Grambling State University All-American quarterback and later head football coach Doug Williams was named to the 2025 class of Louisiana Public Broadcasting network's Louisiana Legends, which honors 'outstanding Louisianans who have distinguished themselves in a variety of disciplines including writing, art, entertainment, politics, public service and athletics.' Williams became the first African American quarterback selected in the first round of the NFL Draft in 1978 after being taken 17th overall by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He later joined Washington and helped them win Super Bowl XXII in 1988, becoming the first Black starting quarterback to win a Super Bowl and be named Super Bowl MVP. Williams is a member of several Halls of Fame, including the College Football Hall of Fame, the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame, the Washington D.C. Sports Hall of Fame, and the Grambling Legends Hall of Fame. He was also named a semifinalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame's Class of 2025. Legendary Grambling State baseball coach to be enshrined in College Baseball Hall of Fame Joining Williams in the 2025 LPB Legends class were: Claire Babineaux-Fontenot, a leader in strengthening communities and the fight against hunger. John H. Dalton, the 70th Secretary of the Navy appointed by President Bill Clinton in 1993. Dan Borném, a distinguished member in media, government, education, industry, and healthcare. Judi Betts, an internationally acclaimed watercolor painter, instructor, juror, and author. The Goldring Family, who have funded nonprofit organizations in Greater New Orleans and support environmental sustainability, animal welfare, arts and culture, civil affairs, educational and recreational opportunities for children, human services, health, and Jewish causes. 'It was amazing being a part of it all,' Williams said. 'That's one heck of a crew with what all of them have done in life — a military hero with a submarine named after him, someone who's made a name for herself in fighting for social justice, another person who has impacted several different things including government, media, education and history, a painter who is famous worldwide, and a family known doing all they can to help anybody and everybody in need. 'Just being a part of that was incredibly special. That was an amazing group of people on that stage. I told Mr. Dalton we had a special connection because I coached at Navy. The Navy named a submarine after him. You never know in what ways you might connect with someone, and we had that connection. The whole thing was an amazing experience. Like my dad would say, I was in tall cotton.' Grambling State names Patrick Crarey II as new basketball coach Williams said he was proud to be a part of such a diverse group of leaders. 'The way I look at it, I think they were trying to honor people from Louisiana who have made an impact, no matter where that impact comes from or how it was made,' Williams said. 'Being from Louisiana, I feel good about being inducted into the PBS Louisiana Legends. That's the bottom line.' Williams attributed his selection as a Louisiana Legend to his continued efforts outside of football. 'I think some of the things I've done off the football field, and continue to do, play a part in it,' Williams said. 'Grambling Legend, Black College Football Hall of Fame, the HBCU Bowl, all of those things played a part in it. It's all about helping — whatever you do in the community to make a positive impact on people.' Grambling State coach Mickey Joseph suggests transfer buyout plan Williams said being the first Black quarterback to play in and win a Super Bowl only ranks third on his list of biggest impacts. 'There are two things I think I've done — three if you count being the first Black quarterback in the Super Bowl, but that would be No. 3 — that I'm especially proud of,' Williams said. 'I think the opportunity I had in 1993 to coach a high school (Northeast High in Pride, Louisiana, located 14 miles from Williams' hometown of Zachary) and make an impact on those younger kids was the first big impact I was fortunate to be able to make. We beat Peyton Manning (Newman High School) in the playoffs at Northeast High School. 'The other would be having the opportunity to coach at Grambling and replace a legend like Eddie Robinson. Those guys I coached at GSU, seeing how they've gone off and what they've done with their lives to be successful, then come back and tell you thanks. That's an impact. The Grambling Legends, bringing guys back who deserve to be celebrated, that's an impact. The Black College Hall of Fame is the same thing.' Grambling to play in Las Vegas during the 2025 football season Williams said he is also proud of founding the Legacy Bowl, which aims to impact not just the players involved but also students from HBCUs nationwide. These students gather in New Orleans each year to attend a job fair held in conjunction with the game. 'What we're trying to do is give those guys the opportunity to be seen,' Williams said. 'Not everybody is going to play in the National Football League. We all know that, but there are some who might get a chance because of that last opportunity to be seen. Then the job fair they go to, along with HBCU students from all across the country — that's another impact I'm proud of.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Super Bowl MVP and HBCU legend honored at 2025 gala
When Doug Williams walked onto the stage at the 2025 Louisiana Legends Gala, the applause echoed far beyond the Old State Capitol in Baton Rouge—it reverberated through the heart of HBCU sports history. Williams, a Grambling State icon and the first Black quarterback to win a Super Bowl, was celebrated as one of six Louisiana Legends honored for excellence in fields ranging from arts to athletics. For HBCU fans, this wasn't just another award—it was a tribute to a legacy built on breaking barriers and opening doors. Advertisement A Trailblazer From Day One Doug Williams' story began under the mentorship of coaching legend Eddie Robinson at Grambling State. As a Tiger, Williams threw for over 8,000 yards and 93 touchdowns, setting the stage for a groundbreaking NFL career. In 1978, he made history as the first African American quarterback selected in the first round of the NFL Draft. His Super Bowl XXII MVP performance—340 yards and four touchdowns in one quarter—remains one of the most dominant displays in championship history. Washington quarterback Doug Williams against Denver during Super Bowl XXII© Manny Rubio-Imagn Images Building Pathways for Future HBCU Talent Williams didn't stop at personal accolades. He co-founded the Black College Football Hall of Fame and the HBCU Legacy Bowl with James 'Shack' Harris, creating a national platform for HBCU players to gain NFL exposure. Dozens of athletes have signed with NFL teams thanks to this initiative, cementing Williams' role as more than a pioneer—he's a builder. Advertisement Related: NBA legend and HBCU trailblazer dies at 88 A Legacy Beyond the Field Following his NFL career, Williams returned to Grambling State in 1998 to succeed Coach Robinson as head coach, guiding a new generation with the same values he'd been taught. His induction into the College Football Hall of Fame, and rings of honor in both Tampa Bay and Washington, reflect a legacy that continues to inspire. As Williams received his award, one thing was clear—this moment was not just about what he had done, but what he continues to make possible for others. Related: TNT apologizes for false death report of HBCU legend during Inside the NBA Related: HBCU star turns heads in NASCAR
