Former University of Pittsburgh football player Robert Grier Sr. became the first Black player to play in the Sugar Bowl in 1956. Grier died June 30 at 91 years old. Submitted by Pitt Athletics

The University of Pittsburgh announced Sunday former Panthers football player Robert Grier Sr. died June 30 at 91 years old.

Grier became the first Black player to play in the Sugar Bowl in 1956 during the civil rights era. He did so despite Georgia’s governor, segregationist Marvin Griffin, pressuring Pitt’s opponent, Georgia Tech, to refuse to play the game.

A fullback, linebacker and defensive back, Grier played three seasons for Pitt from 1953-55. The Panthers went 7-3 in 1955, his senior year, and lost to Georgia Tech in the Sugar Bowl 7-0. Grier had a game-high 51 rushing yards.

After the game, according to Pitt’s press release Sunday, both teams dined at a banquet at the whites-only St. Charles Hotel in New Orleans. Yellowjackets players approached Grier and said, “You’re eating with us.”

He was named to the Sugar Bowl Hall of Fame in January 2019.

Grier is a member of the Pitt Athletics Hall of Fame. He served in the Air Force for 12 years after graduating from Pitt in 1957.

He had two children with his wife, Dorothy.

Pitt announced it will wear a commemorative sticker on its helmets during the 2024 season in honor of Grier.