Rams Host Screening of ‘The Forgotten Four’

On the other hand, Washington and Strode struggled with intransigence in Los Angeles. Washington’s NFL career lasted three seasons, while Strode, who later found success in Hollywood as an actor (his most memorable role was Draba in Spartacus), played just one season before being forced into retirement due to injuries. Neither men have to this date been inducted into the Hall of Fame.

I will be the first to admit that my knowledge of football history is severely lacking. I like football and watch it every Saturday and Sunday, but I don’t make it a point to follow every team intently like I do for baseball. I’d never heard of these players before the documentary, and I’m willing to bet I’m not alone among football fans. And it’s a shame. Given the demographics of the NFL, these four men deserve at least a share of the recognition that Robinson’s name receives.

Sidenote, Robinson actually shared a connection with all four players in some capacity. It’s well-known that while at UCLA, Robinson participated in four different sports: baseball, football, basketball, and track. Two of his football teammates happened to be Washington and Strode. Perhaps a lesser-known fact, though, was that Branch Rickey, the GM of the Brooklyn Dodgers baseball team, was also a part-owner of the Brooklyn Dodgers football team of the AAFC. Later in life, Rickey admitted that he may not have made the decision to sign Robinson had he not seen Willis and Motley succeed in the AAFC.

After the screening, the former Rams stuck around and discussed the film and answered questions from select Rams fans who attended the screening. It turns out, even a lot of college and NFL players haven’t been exposed to the history of the sport like athletes in other sports, as all three players admitted they weren’t very familiar with the story of the Forgotten Four.

Football season’s well underway. Tailgating, all-day football fests, cool weather; these are all staples of the season. Perhaps it’s time the NFL added another staple to this: awareness of the past, that future generations may appreciate the struggles of the Forgotten Four so that some day, segregation in all shapes and forms may be eliminated.

The Forgotten Four airs September 23 on Epix at 8:00pm ET.