Legendary Central State football coach Billy Joe to be inducted into Black College Football Hall of Fame Class

Atlanta, Georgia – Legendary Central State University football coach William "Billy" Joe will add another tremendous achievement to his long list of accolades when he enters the Black College Football Hall of Fame (BCFHOF) this weekend.

Joe was one of six inductees selected from a list of 25 finalists who had been determined by the BCFHOF Selection Committee. 

Reflecting on his coaching career, Joe credited his family, friends,former-players and colleagues for their support.

 "It is an honor to be inducted and enshrined in the Black College Football Hall of Fame. It is always very gratifying to be awarded for excellence in one's chosen craft. However, it would be selfish on my part if I did not mention all of the people who are responsible for my success," Joe said. "My family, relatives and friends played a very significant role by allowing me to focus almost exclusively on coaching football, to their detriment. I would be remiss if I did not identify my assistant coaches and football players. Without question, they played an integral part in my success. I am forever indebted to them for their hard work and perseverance in making my football career worthy of being inducted into the Black College Football Hall of Fame. And, of course, last but not least, the administrators, faculty, staff, students, alumni and boosters all played a significant part in my successes as a football coach. I would like everyone to understand that my trek to the Black College Football Hall Of Fame was not a one-man show; it was truly a team effort and I thank everyone for their support and hard work."

Joe's coaching career began in 1972 at Cheney University. He also spent two seasons on the pro level as an assistant coach for the Philadelphia Eagles before arriving at Central State in 1981.

It took little time for Joe to turn the Marauders into a perennial powerhouse. His 1983 team finished the regular season with a perfect 10-0 record and went on to a NCAA Div. II finals appearance. Joe led the Marauders to five consecutive Black College national championships from 1986 to 1990. The pinnacle of his tenure in Wilberforce came in 1990 and 1992 when his teams hoisted the NAIA Div. I National Championship.

Joe also coached at Florida A&M from 1994 to 2004. He led the Rattlers to an unprecedented five Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference titles. After a two year hiatus from coaching, Joe accepted the head coaching position at Miles College in 2007. He retired from coaching in 2010 with 243 career coaching victories. He is second to only Eddie Robinson in wins at historically Black colleges.

Prior to coaching, Joe had on outstanding career as a player. Drafted by the Denver Broncos in the 9^th round out of Villanova in 1963, Joe made an immediate impact and was named the AFL Rookie of the Year. After being traded to Buffalo, Joe helped lead the Bills to their 1965 AFL Championship victory over the San Diego Chargers. He later played for the Miami Dolphins and the New York Jets.

Joe is also a member of the College Football Hall of Fame and the Central State University Athletics Hall of Fame. His number 35 jersey is officially retired at Villanova University.

The Class of 2017 also includes Parnell "Paydirt" Dickinson (Mississippi Valley State), Harold "Sunny" Jackson (Jackson State), Gary "Big Hands" Johnson (Grambling State), Robert Porcher (South Carolina State, Tennessee State) and Isiah "Butch" Robertson (Southern).

"This class is another representation of the immense football talent that has played and coached at historically black colleges and universities," said BCFHOF Co-Founder and 2012 Inductee James "Shack" Harris. 

Votes were tallied from the 12-member Selection Committee, comprised of prominent journalists, commentators and historians, as well as former NFL general managers and executives, and from previous BCFHOF inductees to determine this year's inductees.

The Class of 2017 will be honored at the 8th Annual Black College Football Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony presented by the Atlanta Falcons on Saturday, Feb. 25. The Induction Ceremony takes place at the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta, Georgia.

For additional information, please visit www.BlackCollegeFootballHOF.org.