Jimmy Blacklock played for the Harlem Globetrotters and later became a coach for the famous exhibition basketball team.
“As some people know he was the first African-American basketball player at the University of Texas,” Houston Texans 2020 NFL Draft second-round pick Ross Blacklock said at the NFL combine. “I just try to fill those shoes for him, from our family.”
For Ross, filling those shoes meant playing football, the sport he loved the most among the five he grew up playing as a child.
“I think basketball is just too soft for me,” Blacklock said. “Too soft.”
Blacklock’s father knew how much football meant to his son, so he never pushed him into the one that was providing for his family.
“He just never really pushed me to be a basketball player,” said Blacklock. “He told me if I want to do it, then I’ll do it. But he never pushed me to be a basketball player. He knew football was where I wanted to be.”
Blacklock saw scores of Globetrotters games growing up, including up to 15 in other states.
“I wish he could see what I’m going through, but it’s more important for him to do what he’s doing,” said Blacklock. “He’s my Pops, so I love him to death.”
Jimmy will now have a chance to see his son play for the hometown Texans every Sunday in the fall. It isn’t a bad circle to complete for the Missouri City Elkins product.