MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Former University of Memphis football player, Glenn Rogers Sr. was honored with an official street name next to Liberty Bank Stadium.
The street is located on Hollywood St. between Southern Ave. and Union Ave. A renaming ceremony for the street saw University of Memphis and City of Memphis officials, including U of M President Bill Hardgrave, Memphis Mayor Paul Young, U of M Athletics Director Ed Scott, and Councilman Chase Carlisle, who noted this as the first time in recent history that Memphis has renamed a street for a living person. The ceremony also kicked off additional homecoming activities for U of M, including the annual Black Alumni Homecoming Yard show, and the annual Homecoming parade and pep rally.
Rogers helped integrate the Memphis Tigers football team, becoming the first black football player at the school then known as Memphis State. He played for the Tigers from 1969-1971, joining the team as a walk-on in the spring of 1968. He and Stan Davis, who joined the team in 1969, became the first Black players to appear in a game for Memphis.
“When you think about Memphis football, you can’t help but think about Glenn Rogers, Sr.,” University of Memphis Athletics Director Dr. Ed Scott said. “His bravery and determination paved the way for countless student-athletes to pursue their dreams at the University of Memphis and beyond.”
Following his 1972 graduation from Memphis, Rogers spent 14 years coaching football at Southside High School and later became an administrator at Hillcrest High School as well as Tunica Middle School. For his contributions to the community, Rogers was also honored with the Billy J. Murphy Award in 2000.
"Glenn Rogers, Sr. changed Memphis and Memphis Tigers Football for the better. The courageous steps he took when he decided to join the team as a walk-on player have encouraged thousands to follow in his footsteps,” said Mayor Paul Young. “It is only fitting that the street passing in front of the Liberty Bowl, where Rogers made history, be renamed in his honor."