Reggie Collier
The Dallas Cowboys, gambling that the USFL was not going to last, acquired Reggie Collier’s NFL rights by selecting him in the sixth round (162nd overall) of the 1985 NFL Draft, even though he had already signed with the Washington Federals. On May 23, 1986, he signed a four-year contract, which was a transaction that was overshadowed by the acquisition of running back Herschel Walker. He was the first African-American quarterback to make the Cowboys roster. In the season finale against the defending Super Bowl Champions the Chicago Bears, he became the first African-American quarterback to start in fanchise history. He had four turnovers (three came in his first three series) and was replaced with Steve Pelluer in the third quarter. Collier played in four games in 1986, completing 8 of 15 passes for 96 yards and one touchdown. He was waived on June 17, 1987.