Jackie Robinson, most famous for breaking the color barrier in Major League Baseball, also had an accomplished career in other sports before joining the Brooklyn Dodgers. In 1939, Robinson faced off against the University of Montana in FCS college football, a program that would later become one of the top programs in the Division I subdivision.
Robinson, along with teammates Woody Strode and Kenny Washington, helped integrate UCLA football, despite the racial disparities on campus at the time. The game between UCLA and Montana in 1939 resulted in a 20-6 victory for UCLA, with Robinson playing a significant role in the game.
Although Robinson did not have a carry in the game, his punt return set up a crucial touchdown by Washington. The game showcased Washington’s dominating performance, leading UCLA to victory. Following the game, UCLA went on to achieve a No. 7 ranking in the Associated Press college football rankings, finishing with a 6-0-4 record for the season.
Despite the success on the football field, Robinson’s legacy was cemented in baseball, where he went on to have a stellar career in the MLB. He was named Rookie of the Year in 1947 and won the NL batting title and MVP award in 1949. Robinson was a key player in the Dodgers’ 1955 World Series win and was eventually inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1962.
After a successful and groundbreaking career, Robinson passed away in 1972 at the age of 53. The game between UCLA and Montana in 1939 highlights Robinson’s versatility and talent as an athlete beyond the baseball diamond.
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