John Wooten: A Football Legend’s Perspective on Civil Rights, Then and Now
John Wooten, a name synonymous with gridiron prowess and unwavering advocacy for equality, carries within him a living history of the Civil Rights Movement. The former Cleveland Browns guard, renowned for his blocking prowess that paved the way for the legendary Jim Brown, holds a unique vantage point on a pivotal era in American history. His story isn’t just about football; it’s a powerful narrative interwoven with the struggle for civil rights, a fight that continues to resonate in today’s society.
In the summer of 1964, as Wooten prepared to report to training camp in Hiram, Ohio, he made a detour, a pilgrimage of sorts, to Washington, D.C. This wasn’t a casual trip; it was a journey to witness history in the making. On July 2nd, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act of 1964, a landmark piece of legislation that promised to dismantle segregation and discrimination that had plagued the nation for far too long.
Wooten wasn’t merely an observer; he was an invited guest, a testament to his commitment to social justice. At the behest of Martin Luther King Jr. and civil rights activist Whitney Young, Wooten found himself within the corridors of the White House, a place that symbolized power and, for many African Americans, represented a system that had historically denied them equal opportunities.
Although he wasn’t in the Oval Office when LBJ put pen to paper, Wooten was close enough to feel the palpable energy of the moment. "When President Johnson did the signing, there was just a mass of people all the way back out of that office, all down the hall, everywhere," Wooten recalled. "You’re talking about hundreds. That’s where I was."
The Civil Rights Act banned discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, and national origin. It mandated equal access to public places, schools, and the right to vote, dismantling the Jim Crow laws that had enforced segregation in the Deep South for decades.
For Wooten, this was more than just a political event; it was a deeply personal moment that resonated with his own experiences as a Black man in America. "This was the beginning of us being able to move forward as a people in this country," Wooten said. "Now it’s the law of the land. I can’t tell you how privileged I was – not as a football player, but as a young Black guy – to be there." He emphasized, "It gave us a completely new look on life as a people."
Wooten’s dedication to equality extended far beyond that historic day in Washington. He became a champion of equal opportunity for coaches and executives in the NFL, serving as the longtime chairman of the Fritz Pollard Alliance, an organization dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusion in the league.
Reflecting on that era, Wooten acknowledges the resistance the Civil Rights Act faced, particularly from the Deep South, where segregation was deeply entrenched. He remembers LBJ’s commitment to carrying on the legacy of John F. Kennedy, who had championed civil rights before his assassination in 1963.
"LBJ took it up as his legacy," Wooten said. "That’s how he wanted to be remembered. You have to give him credit for picking up the banner that John F. Kennedy carried. He could have very easily let it go. But in his speech, he said: This would be one of the greatest things that’s ever happened in this country, to letting the world know that all of us are equal."
Wooten’s commitment to civil rights was also evident during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom in 1963, where Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his iconic "I Have a Dream" speech. Despite being on the West Coast for preseason games with the Browns, Wooten and his roommate, Jim Brown, recognized the significance of the event.
Wooten recalls Brown convincing coach Blanton Collier to reschedule practice so they could watch the march. They then invited their teammates, Black and white, to join them. "We had guys on the floor, on the beds, watching this together," Wooten said, highlighting the unifying power of the moment.
For Wooten, one of his most cherished mementos from that day at the White House is a pen used by LBJ during the signing ceremony. "I walked out of there with that pen, and with a new fight," he said. "The significance will never change." The pen serves as a constant reminder of the progress that has been made, as well as the ongoing struggle for equality.
In recent years, Wooten has expressed concern over what he sees as a rollback of civil rights gains. He is particularly troubled by attacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. "It hurts your heart," Wooten said. "We had come so far in terms of moving this country in the right direction. DEI, all of that, has come from the Civil Rights Act. It was what we stood for as a nation."
Wooten shudders at the potential consequences of policies like Project 2025, which he believes would dismantle many of the advancements achieved since the Civil Rights Movement. "When you read through it, you see immediately that it would destroy every single thing we have worked for and won in this country," Wooten stated.
John Wooten’s story serves as a vital reminder that the fight for civil rights is not just a chapter in history; it’s an ongoing struggle that requires constant vigilance and a commitment to upholding the principles of equality and justice for all. His experiences, from the football field to the White House, offer a powerful perspective on the challenges and triumphs of the Civil Rights Movement, and the need to safeguard its legacy for future generations. His life is a testament to the fact that even seemingly ordinary individuals can play an extraordinary role in shaping a more just and equitable world.
