Pollard at Brown
(1915–1917)

1915 Brown football team; Pollard was the only African American player on an Ivy League team during the 1915 football season. Brown’s opponents were less than gracious in their treatment of Pollard.

Brown’s 5-3-1 record for the 1915 season was modest. The 3-0 victory over Yale proved to be the key to Brown’s selection for the first annual Rose Bowl.

A special Pullman car carried the Brown contingent from Providence to California and back.

Letter from Team Manager Fred Ballou (1916), updating President Faunce on the team’s preparations for the upcoming game.

Winning football from Nov. 11, 1916 game against Yale.

1916 cartoon depicting Pollard’s “wraith-like runs” in victory over Harvard.

Winning football from Nov. 18, 1916 game against Harvard, 21–0.

1916 Season
Following their appearance in the Rose Bowl, expectations for the 1916 football season were high. Relying on Pollard’s skill, Brown swept through the first six games of the season, surrendering only 3 points. The Bruins made history that year by defeating both Yale and Harvard — the first team to do so in the same season.

1916 Harvard vs. Brown sideline pass.

1916 Harvard vs. Brown official score card. Pollard was listed as right half back, #9.

Fritz (circled), known as the “the human torpedo,” nears Harvard’s goal, behind the blocking of team captain Mark Farnum.

Stadium view during 1916 game against Harvard, showing Pollard nearing the goal line. The hay on the sidelines was to prevent the field from freezing.

“Brown–Collgate Football Game, Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 30 1916. Andrews Field, Providence, R.I.”
(36" panoramic photo by K.K.N.E. F.A. George, Boston.)
Brown’s rush for a second national title in 1916 was extinguished only by its crushing 28-0 defeat at the hands of Colgate University on Andrews Field.

Pollard with Brown teammates Bill Ormsby (left) and Jimmy Jermail (right) during 1946 reunion.