Continuing The Legacy Of Dowsing And Bell

STARKVILLE – It has been over five decades since Frank Dowsing Jr. and Robert Bell became the first African American football players to suit up for Mississippi State.

But their bravery and courage continues to serve as an inspiration for all of the Bulldogs they helped create opportunities for in the past, present and future of the program.

"I really didn't know much about them when I first got here," said junior running back Dillon Johnson. "But after being here for going on three years, I've learned a lot about those two guys. I really appreciate them because I wouldn't be here without them. Those two guys started everything and started a tradition. We're going to represent them the correct way."

MSU will don special uniforms for Saturday's game against Bowling Green to commemorate the 50^th anniversary of Dowsing and Bell's final season with the Bulldogs. The Adidas attire will be a throwback look inspired by the uniform that both players wore in 1972, the final year the two suited up in Maroon and White.

"It really means a lot to represent them and the times that they went through," said junior defensive end De'Monte Russell. "They paved the way for us to actually get here. If it wasn't for them, we may not be here. Being able to wear those uniforms, put that name across our chest and our last names on our backs is something special."

Russell was selected to narrate a tribute video for Dowsing and Bell last month that accompanied the announcement of the special alternate uniforms for the Bowling Green game. The more Russell rehearsed his lines, the more he was inspired by the trailblazing Bulldogs and the sacrifices they made.

"While I was reading, I was also learning and getting into it," Russell said. "I was realizing the big impact that they brought into the state of Mississippi. The history that I was talking about with Dowsing and Bell was something special for me, my family and my teammates."

Dowsing and Bell's impact is not limited to just the players. Associate head coach Tony Hughes remembers watching highlights of Dowsing on Jack Cristil's show on Sundays as a sixth or seventh grader growing up in Forest and wanted to follow in his footsteps to play college football as an African American in his home state as well.

Hughes not only played but has also had the opportunity to coach on every level throughout the Magnolia State as well.

"It means a lot because I'm a minority that was raised in the state of Mississippi," Hughes said. "Having an opportunity to coach at Mississippi State wouldn't be that way if it hadn't been for men like that that were willing to make the sacrifice when it wasn't the popular thing to do."

Hughes and head coach Mike Leach have been educating the players on the Dowsing and Bell story so they can fully appreciate the legacy they are representing this weekend and every time they step out onto the field.

"Coach Leach does a good job of trying to educate them on the history and historical significance that what they're doing today was a pathway that was built by gentlemen like Frank Dowsing and Robert Bell," Hughes said. "There's an appreciation there but at the same time, we have to continue to educate them to let them know that somebody gave you this opportunity to play at a great institution like Mississippi State."

Mississippi State University Athletics

Continuing The Legacy Of Dowsing And Bell

Players Mentioned

Dillon Johnson

De'Monte Russell

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