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Charles Francis Copley (September 1, 1887 – May 29, 1944) was a professional football player who played for the Akron Pros and the Milwaukee Badgers of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Muhlenberg College and Missouri University of Science and Technology.

Career

He was also a former teammate of Fritz Pollard during his time with the Pros and the Badgers. In 1923 Charles became the coach of the Gilberton Cadamounts. This caused Copley to recruit Pollard to play for Gilberton, making Pollard the first African-American to play football in Pennsylvania's coal region. In 1917, Copley played alongside Bob Nash for the Massillon Tigers. The Tigers played in the "Ohio League", which was the direct predecessor to the NFL.

References

1. "Charlie Copley". The Pro Football Archives. Retrieved January 21, 2018.
2. Ross, C.K. (2005). Race and Sport: The Struggle for Equality on and Off the Field. University Press of Mississippi. p. 11. ISBN 9781578068975. Retrieved January 12, 2015.
3. PFRA Research. "Canton Wins Again 1917" (PDF). Coffin Corner. Professional Football Researchers Association: 1–5. Archived from the original (PDF) on June 17, 2013.

• 1887 births
• 1944 deaths
• Akron Pros players
• Milwaukee Badgers players
• Players of American football from Pennsylvania
• Gilberton Cadamounts players
• Massillon Tigers players
• Muhlenberg Mules football players
• Missouri S&T Miners football players