Bill Cottrell, a former Detroit Lions lineman who made NFL history as the league’s first Black starting center and was a beloved longtime resident of Solon, Ohio, died March 20.
SOLON , Ohio — Bill Cottrell, a former Detroit Lions lineman who made NFL history and was a longtime resident of Solon , died March 20 at age 80. Cottrell, known as “Uncle Bill” to his Solon neighbors, was born Sept.
18, 1944, in Chester, Pennsylvania. He broke racial barriers during his five-season career with the Lions by becoming the first Black player to start at center in the NFL, Solon Councilman E. Macke Bentley IV told cleveland.com. Cottrell also played tight end and offensive tackle for the team from 1967 to 1971. He ended his professional football career with the Denver Broncos in 1972. After retiring from football, Cottrell settled in Solon, where he raised a family and worked in labor relations and human resources for Ford Motor Co. He was known locally for his humility, mentorship, and dedication to community involvement.“I think Uncle Bill was really like our so-called uncle because he treated everyone like his own kids — a part of his family,” Bentley said. “He was just a great person. This is a big loss for everyone.” Bentley recalled one of his favorite memories of Cottrell, saying Uncle Bill and his wife, Earline, once drove more than six hours to a hockey rink in Pennsylvania to cheer on the councilman’s son. “That’s the kind of people they were,” Bentley said. “They would show up places you wouldn’t expect them to, just to support your children, support their loved ones and neighbors.” Cottrell played college football at Delaware Valley University and began his professional career as an undrafted free agent before carving out a place in NFL history. Bentley noted that Cottrell majored in horticulture and was well-known in the neighborhood for his gardening. “Our kids would run over to their house,” he said. “He always had a huge garden. The kids would run to the garden and just pick cherry tomatoes off and eat them. When we moved, he came over and put two beds in the backyard, and we continue to have a huge garden in our backyard because of Bill to this day. We have many memories of the kids just running over to their house and playing. He made everyone in the neighborhood feel comfortable and at home.”in Bedford Heights. A memorial service is scheduled for 1 p.m. Saturday, April 12, with a wake beginning at 12:30 p.m. “Uncle Bill was the most down-to-earth, nicest person I know,” Bentley said. “Being an offensive lineman, he was a pretty big guy, obviously, but the biggest part about him was his heart. He was the nicest person in the world to everybody. Truly a heart of gold.” If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation.and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our
Nfl Bill-Cottrell Detroit-Lions Denver-Broncos Obituary
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Iowa State football to send three to Big 12 Pro DayNFL Network to showcase Big 12 players for special event ahead of NFL Draft
Read more »
NFL Insider Says Aaron Rodgers Could Wait Up to NFL Draft to Pick a TeamWill history repeat itself when it comes to Aaron Rodgers choosing when to sign with an NFL team this offseason?
Read more »
REPORT: ESPN in Talks to Purchase NFL Network, NFL RedZone for $2 BillionSource of breaking news and analysis, insightful commentary and original reporting, curated and written specifically for the new generation of independent and conservative thinkers.
Read more »
NFL analytic outlet praises Cowboys pass rush following NFL free agency movesThe Dallas Cowboys made sure their defensive line would give opposing teams a headache.
Read more »
NFL Insider Reveals the Teams Jaxson Dart Has Spent Time With Ahead of NFL DraftThe former Ole Miss signal caller is considered a top five quarterback in the 2025 NFL draft.
Read more »
NFL Draft Insider Says Giants' Love of QB Prospect the 'Worst-Kept Secret' in NFLThe Giants reportedly haven't been sneaky about their love of Shedeur Sanders.
Read more »