Legends FAQ »

VICE ADMIRAL DAVID L. BREWER III
Representing: Prairie View A&M

David L. Brewer III has had a storied career serving his country for more than 35 years in the United States Navy, where he rose through the ranks to become a vice admiral.

His distinguished naval career started in 1970, when he was commissioned an ensign in the U.S. Navy by the former Secretary of the Navy, the late Senator John Chafee (R-R.I.). He was a member of the first graduating class of the first Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps unit established at a historically black university, Prairie View A&M. Read More

NIKKI GIOVANNI
Representing: Fisk University

As a world-renowned poet, writer, commentator, activist and educator, Nikki Giovanni has opened millions of eyes with her words. One of the most widely read American poets, Giovanni remains as committed as ever to the fight for civil rights and equality.

Born in Knoxville, Tenn., Giovanni grew up in Lincoln Heights, a mostly black suburb of Cincinnati, Ohio. She graduated with honors from Fisk University, her grandfather’s alma mater, in 1968; after graduating from Fisk, she attended the University of Pennsylvania and Columbia University. She published her first book of poetry, Black Feeling Black Talk, in 1968, and within the next year published a second book, catapulting a storied career as a writer. Read More

KEN HOUSTON
Representing: Prairie View A&M

A member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the NFL’s 75^th Anniversary All-Time Team, Ken Houston is considered one of the game’s best defensive players. Houston started his 14-year NFL career as a free safety in 1967 with the Houston Oilers, who picked him in the ninth round of the AFL-NFL draft from Prairie View A&M.

The 6-foot-3, 197-pounder wasted little time establishing himself as a major player. He landed a starting job in just his third pro game. As a rookie, he had a breakout game against the New York Jets, scoring two touchdowns, returning a 71-yard blocked field goal and taking a 43-yard interception all the way back for a TD. Read More

LARRY LITTLE
Representing: Bethune-Cookman

Larry Little is regarded as one of the greatest offensive linemen ever to play the game. The former Pro Bowl offensive guard for the Miami Dolphins during the 1970s, Little opened those gaping holes for running backs Larry Csonka, Jim Kiick and Mercury Morris.

A six-time All-Pro selection, Little played on some great Don Shula-coached Dolphins teams. In 1970, behind his terrific blocking skills, Miami won 10 games, and the team captured its first AFC Eastern Division title in 1971. The Dolphins went on to win Super Bowls VII and VIII, with Little playing big. In 1972, Miami put together that perfect 17-0 season, a record that still stands today. Read More

ROBERT PORCHER III
Representing: South Carolina State

Robert Porcher remembers with fondness the day NFL Hall of Famer Harry Carson visited his South Carolina State campus to lend an encouraging word to the team. A former Bulldog, the longtime New York Giants linebacker made quite an impression on the young Porcher, who was a junior and rising star at the time.

In fact, Carson made such an impression that Porcher decided then that if he ever achieved that level of status, he, too, would most certainly give back. “It’s great for young people to hear from legends—an absolute great opportunity for them,” Porcher attests. Read More