Calvin Patterson was the first African-American football player ever to attend Flordia State University, but he shot himself to death due to heavy racism.
Calvin Patterson was an exceptional athlete during the 1960s. A native of Miami, United States, he grew up with his great-aunt and great-uncle.
They were both school teachers in Miami’s middle-class black community of Richmond Heights. Patterson was a graduate of Miami Palmetto High School.
He became the first black person to break the color barrier at his high school when he joined the school’s football team in his sophomore year.
His athletic prowess earned him a spot at the Flordia State University. The FSU scouted him and offered him a football scholarship.
He accepted the offer and joined FSU in 1968. Patterson was the first African-American football player ever to attend Florida State.
Holy shit, Calvin Patterson, the former FSU they were just talking about killed himself due to the racism he encountered back in the late 60’s/early 70’s… damn that’s heavy
— Kush (@KushnCanes) November 13, 2021
Florida State: Calvin Patterson Death And Obituary -How Did He Die?
Calvin Patterson died on August 16, 1972. He shot himself in the stomach with a .38 revolver and bled to death.
He committed suicide right before his senior year of college. As the first African-American football player, Patterson became the subject of heavy racism and criticism.
The pressure was so intense that he received death threats from angry fans. He was the only black player on the team for a year. However, he persevered under every difficult situation and did not quit.
He had trouble fitting in with his white football teammates. The black people from the Tallahassee community also did not accept him as he was dating a white girl at the time.
As a result, he struggled in the classroom and his grades fell. This led the university to declare him academically ineligible. Thus, he returned home right before his sophomore year.
However, he came back to the FSU with a renewed hope to start afresh and revive his football player. But, fate had something else planned for him. He finally broke down and killed himself.
How Old Was Calvin Patterson? Age Explored
Calvin Patterson’s age was 22 years old at the time of his death.
He was born in the year 1949 in Miami, United States. Nevertheless, his precise date of birth remains off the web.
Was Calvin Patterson Married? Wife Details
Calvin Patterson was never married so the question about his wife goes out of the picture.
As mentioned above, he did date a white girl during his time at the Florida State University, but he name is unknown.